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ellemnope's Reviews (2.4k)
4.5 stars.
I am not a regular reader of women's fiction (or chick lit or contemporary romance...whatever you want to label it as), but I had been overwhelmed by the hype surrounding this book, so I had to try it out. I was pleasantly surprised. I don't know what it was about this in particular, but I LOVE Emily Henry's writing style. It's smart and quippy and her characters are...tangible. There were still moments that felt uncomfortable for my tastes, but overall I had a great time. There was much more depth and character development than I expected, making this book feel a little more like it leaned toward the "contemporary" side of "contemporary romance".
I am not a regular reader of women's fiction (or chick lit or contemporary romance...whatever you want to label it as), but I had been overwhelmed by the hype surrounding this book, so I had to try it out. I was pleasantly surprised. I don't know what it was about this in particular, but I LOVE Emily Henry's writing style. It's smart and quippy and her characters are...tangible. There were still moments that felt uncomfortable for my tastes, but overall I had a great time. There was much more depth and character development than I expected, making this book feel a little more like it leaned toward the "contemporary" side of "contemporary romance".
* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and have not been influenced by this arrangement. *
2.5 stars.
I wanted to like this one more than I did and I pushed through to make it to the end. There are snippets of wonderful story in here, the writing is good, and the characters really do start to become their own, however there are some things that detracted from my enjoyment.
The majority of the book is told in 3rd person. This works very well and is a comfortable writing style with good description. Every once in a while, though, this turns to 1st person for a couple of characters. These chapters felt out of place, didn't seem to add a lot to the story that couldn't have been done in 3rd person, and the shift in tone pulled me out of the story.
The novel primarily focuses on the Klar family. This is great. The family is dynamic and has a lot to bring to the table. But...once again, there are occasional derailments. Intermittently interspersed are edited newspaper articles from the time period as well as short stories about a man named Ola, who seems to have been a bit of a fabled character in Swede Hollow during this time period. These pieces, while interesting, do not fit with the story of the Klars and again steered me away from the story and distracted my reading.
Overall, I enjoyed learning about this bit of history, especially since it is relatively local to me. But the narrative seemed to plod along a bit more than it should have and a bit more cohesiveness could have gone a long way. There are fabulous pieces here and the start of a good, slow burn, family drama, it just wasn't up my alley.
2.5 stars.
I wanted to like this one more than I did and I pushed through to make it to the end. There are snippets of wonderful story in here, the writing is good, and the characters really do start to become their own, however there are some things that detracted from my enjoyment.
The majority of the book is told in 3rd person. This works very well and is a comfortable writing style with good description. Every once in a while, though, this turns to 1st person for a couple of characters. These chapters felt out of place, didn't seem to add a lot to the story that couldn't have been done in 3rd person, and the shift in tone pulled me out of the story.
The novel primarily focuses on the Klar family. This is great. The family is dynamic and has a lot to bring to the table. But...once again, there are occasional derailments. Intermittently interspersed are edited newspaper articles from the time period as well as short stories about a man named Ola, who seems to have been a bit of a fabled character in Swede Hollow during this time period. These pieces, while interesting, do not fit with the story of the Klars and again steered me away from the story and distracted my reading.
Overall, I enjoyed learning about this bit of history, especially since it is relatively local to me. But the narrative seemed to plod along a bit more than it should have and a bit more cohesiveness could have gone a long way. There are fabulous pieces here and the start of a good, slow burn, family drama, it just wasn't up my alley.
4.5 stars. I actually enjoyed this prequel better than the original book (Practical Magic). The writing felt much more mature and lyrical and I just found myself getting lost in the story. The characters are really explored well, especially Franny, and I liked the multiple POV approach. There are a lot of magical tidbits sprinkled throughout the narrative, which is totally my jam and made me super happy. I also appreciated the attention to detail in how much historical information was woven into the plot. The inclusion of these events and pieces of historical knowledge added depth, realism, and really created a great atmosphere. I very much enjoyed this story and I'm SO glad I read it.
This book takes a little while to get going, with a very slowly paced first third. Maddie, Ellis & Hank are all pretty unlikable characters in the beginning, giving off a bit of a Gatsby feel to their lazy and frivolous lifestyle. But...if you stick through this, things start to really get rolling and the story starts to really grow some legs and depth. Maddie does escape her distinction as a spoiled high society socialite and demonstrates some fantastic character growth.
The setting (both time & place) is well-constructed. Sara Gruen's writing is beautiful and flowery without being overly sappy. The time period is captured very well through events, attitudes, and actions throughout.
The final third of the book moves quite briskly and ends with a bang. There are some ambiguities in the plot that build mystery and leave things even more interesting. It's well turned out and though it had some problems, it was well worth the investment to read.
The setting (both time & place) is well-constructed. Sara Gruen's writing is beautiful and flowery without being overly sappy. The time period is captured very well through events, attitudes, and actions throughout.
The final third of the book moves quite briskly and ends with a bang. There are some ambiguities in the plot that build mystery and leave things even more interesting. It's well turned out and though it had some problems, it was well worth the investment to read.
3.5 Stars.
This was not nearly as endearing as the first in the series. I will still continue to read on, but this installment was definitely lackluster. The plot was slow and fairly uneventful until the last 1/3, save for a couple of Anne antics. The writing itself seemed to have a little less charm and Anne was not as brightly emergent.
This was not nearly as endearing as the first in the series. I will still continue to read on, but this installment was definitely lackluster. The plot was slow and fairly uneventful until the last 1/3, save for a couple of Anne antics. The writing itself seemed to have a little less charm and Anne was not as brightly emergent.
An impactful book from a unique point of view. While most of the racial bias type of novels I have read seem to have centered on the fallout in general after a racially charged event, Such a Fun Age focuses on the close circle of those involved/affected without any direct impact from public opinion (this does not mean that perceived public opinion does not play a definite role in this book). I liked this approach, as the "main event" certainly has its place and focus, but the real guts of the story stay in a very close sphere, allowing the characters to really demonstrate their own personal reactions based solely on their own personalities, experiences, and views.
There was a big cringe factor for me in this book on several levels, as we watch people just making horrible assumptions and failing to look at the big picture. I was particularly disappointed in the characters of Alix and Kelly, but also recognize that they absolutely represent people who do exist in society. The portrayal of misguided actions is very well done, while still being realistically subtle. In fact, realism was executed well from beginning to end. While I found the ending sad for several reasons, it was so amazingly real. Life doesn't always turn out sunshine and roses and not everyone learns from their mistakes or handles missteps appropriately. I applaud Reid's willingness to create an ending that may not have pleased all of her readers, but that presented a more "real life" kind of example.
I was minorly disappointed in the execution of some of the characters. I wish that there had been a slightly different approach to the portrayal of Emira's friend group. These individuals were supposed to be in their mid-to-late 20's, but the overall vibe was a bit more immature than I would have expected. I would have appreciated a more balanced approach to these characters (instead of only portraying them only as partiers). I also wish that Alix would have been given some kind of redeeming quality. Though her narcissism is at the core of who she is, it would have been good to see her having something that didn't just make her look so far to the side of "bad rich white lady". A little complexity could have made her an even more identifiable and realistic character.
There was a big cringe factor for me in this book on several levels, as we watch people just making horrible assumptions and failing to look at the big picture. I was particularly disappointed in the characters of Alix and Kelly, but also recognize that they absolutely represent people who do exist in society. The portrayal of misguided actions is very well done, while still being realistically subtle. In fact, realism was executed well from beginning to end. While I found the ending sad for several reasons, it was so amazingly real. Life doesn't always turn out sunshine and roses and not everyone learns from their mistakes or handles missteps appropriately. I applaud Reid's willingness to create an ending that may not have pleased all of her readers, but that presented a more "real life" kind of example.
I was minorly disappointed in the execution of some of the characters. I wish that there had been a slightly different approach to the portrayal of Emira's friend group. These individuals were supposed to be in their mid-to-late 20's, but the overall vibe was a bit more immature than I would have expected. I would have appreciated a more balanced approach to these characters (instead of only portraying them only as partiers). I also wish that Alix would have been given some kind of redeeming quality. Though her narcissism is at the core of who she is, it would have been good to see her having something that didn't just make her look so far to the side of "bad rich white lady". A little complexity could have made her an even more identifiable and realistic character.
* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *
There is an audience out there for this book, but I discovered that I am not a part of it. The writing is good, but the approach to the narrative is awkward and I found myself slogging through the pages. The construction felt confusing and was quite poor for my experience. In fact, it nearly put me in a reading slump out of frustration.
Readers need to be aware before going into this book that it is a dense read that requires time and a slow, pensive read. It is very stream of consciousness and definitely holds up to its claim to be meta. Readers also need to have some background understanding of Roman mythology and Shakespeare, as there are a LOT of references and the book is definitely based upon a firm knowledge of The Tempest and Twelfth Night. Without this preparation, there is a lot that will be missed.
For those who do love Shakespeare and can handle the stream of consciousness approach that includes occasional heavy digression, this will be an enjoyable read. Walton does have talent in her writing and her prose is quite lyrically beautiful.
In my experience, I could appreciate some of the meta parallels created between Sylvia's world and her book creation, but there wasn't a lot of progressive plot that kept me interested. There was a lot of implication and not enough storytelling. It felt like two separate books shoved together and I received no satisfaction from either one in the end.
I also had difficulty with the character. I was interested in them at the beginning, but as the book went on it felt like the reader was held at arm's length and I really wasn't allowed to know them fully. This left them a bit flat on the page. The only character who did allow some insight was Sylvia, and even with her I wanted more truth.
This book does have its merits and, as I said in the beginning, there are definitely readers who will fall in love with this. I do caution potential readers to go in prepared and select this carefully though, as for many it will not be comprehensible and enjoyable read.
There is an audience out there for this book, but I discovered that I am not a part of it. The writing is good, but the approach to the narrative is awkward and I found myself slogging through the pages. The construction felt confusing and was quite poor for my experience. In fact, it nearly put me in a reading slump out of frustration.
Readers need to be aware before going into this book that it is a dense read that requires time and a slow, pensive read. It is very stream of consciousness and definitely holds up to its claim to be meta. Readers also need to have some background understanding of Roman mythology and Shakespeare, as there are a LOT of references and the book is definitely based upon a firm knowledge of The Tempest and Twelfth Night. Without this preparation, there is a lot that will be missed.
For those who do love Shakespeare and can handle the stream of consciousness approach that includes occasional heavy digression, this will be an enjoyable read. Walton does have talent in her writing and her prose is quite lyrically beautiful.
In my experience, I could appreciate some of the meta parallels created between Sylvia's world and her book creation, but there wasn't a lot of progressive plot that kept me interested. There was a lot of implication and not enough storytelling. It felt like two separate books shoved together and I received no satisfaction from either one in the end.
I also had difficulty with the character. I was interested in them at the beginning, but as the book went on it felt like the reader was held at arm's length and I really wasn't allowed to know them fully. This left them a bit flat on the page. The only character who did allow some insight was Sylvia, and even with her I wanted more truth.
This book does have its merits and, as I said in the beginning, there are definitely readers who will fall in love with this. I do caution potential readers to go in prepared and select this carefully though, as for many it will not be comprehensible and enjoyable read.
4.5 stars.
Though this is intended as a sequel to The Handmaid's Tale, it needs to be read with a different perspective and a different set of expectations. Those who appreciated the ending of The Handmaid's Tale and value the ambiguity of that should not read this book as it will absolutely create some spoilers.
As for me, this was a very enjoyable read. I loved the 3 person POV experience. I did enjoy returning to Gilead and I liked the history presented through Aunt Lydia's chapters. However, I do with that the perspective of Daisy had been slightly different. She was a bit overly immature and unable to pretend to conform. That was disappointing, as it seems like she should have been smarter.
I do think that this will be a reread down the line and it is prompting me to go back and reread the original.
Though this is intended as a sequel to The Handmaid's Tale, it needs to be read with a different perspective and a different set of expectations. Those who appreciated the ending of The Handmaid's Tale and value the ambiguity of that should not read this book as it will absolutely create some spoilers.
As for me, this was a very enjoyable read. I loved the 3 person POV experience. I did enjoy returning to Gilead and I liked the history presented through Aunt Lydia's chapters. However, I do with that the perspective of Daisy had been slightly different. She was a bit overly immature and unable to pretend to conform. That was disappointing, as it seems like she should have been smarter.
I do think that this will be a reread down the line and it is prompting me to go back and reread the original.
Angie Thomas has a way with creating wonderfully realistic characters and circumstances. Her characters are well-crafted, with a good mixture of talents and flaws. Her settings are well-described both in their visual characteristics, but also in the human impact they make. Ms. Thomas can take a story and weave it with beauty to describe the imbalances of privilege in a blunt and stripped down way that makes things both accessible and impactful. I love the way she makes everything feel real, as if she was telling a memoir or reading a diary rather than creating contemporary fiction.
Like The Hate U Give, Thomas uses On the Come Up to expose her reader to realistic experiences and prejudices that they may not have even been aware of, let alone experienced, and helps to bridge the racial gap that exists in our world. Nothing feels contrived or imbalanced, nothing feels like simply an agenda. Her writing carries power and intent, but in a heartfelt way that serves to open the eyes of those who have turned away from reality.
The construction of Bri's character is perfect for this story. She is smart and capable, but still retains that teenage immaturity that causes her to be occasionally lax in contemplating the repercussions of her actions. She is rash and temperamental, with the ability to reflect on her mistakes but not always avoid them. Bri is also perfect for showing the divide of prejudice, both in terms of racism and sexism. She has the same attitude and outspokenness of many teens, but faces harsher feedback & consequences because she is Black. She is talented and ambitious, but is not taken seriously and is often assumed to have "help" when it comes to her rapping, rather than being given credit for her skills.
This story is one that needs to be told, needs to be read, and definitely has something important to say. It is beautifully written and gives a strong representation of the biases that need to be worked on in our society. The ending wasn't as powerful as I had hoped for and the book itself did not have the impact of The Hate U Give, but this is still a very good and important read. At this point, I will read anything Angie Thomas decides to put to paper.
Like The Hate U Give, Thomas uses On the Come Up to expose her reader to realistic experiences and prejudices that they may not have even been aware of, let alone experienced, and helps to bridge the racial gap that exists in our world. Nothing feels contrived or imbalanced, nothing feels like simply an agenda. Her writing carries power and intent, but in a heartfelt way that serves to open the eyes of those who have turned away from reality.
The construction of Bri's character is perfect for this story. She is smart and capable, but still retains that teenage immaturity that causes her to be occasionally lax in contemplating the repercussions of her actions. She is rash and temperamental, with the ability to reflect on her mistakes but not always avoid them. Bri is also perfect for showing the divide of prejudice, both in terms of racism and sexism. She has the same attitude and outspokenness of many teens, but faces harsher feedback & consequences because she is Black. She is talented and ambitious, but is not taken seriously and is often assumed to have "help" when it comes to her rapping, rather than being given credit for her skills.
This story is one that needs to be told, needs to be read, and definitely has something important to say. It is beautifully written and gives a strong representation of the biases that need to be worked on in our society. The ending wasn't as powerful as I had hoped for and the book itself did not have the impact of The Hate U Give, but this is still a very good and important read. At this point, I will read anything Angie Thomas decides to put to paper.
Let me just start this review by saying that I am definitely NOT a comic book reader. I just don't find them to be as in depth as I want and I prefer to read things where I have to conjure the images up in my head based on the text.
Having said this, I have watched the Scott Pilgrim movie and enjoyed it just fine. It was strange and fun and quirky. This comic is much the same, but it is terribly jerky in movement from scene to scene in a way that I had to make sure my copy wasn't missing pages. The art style is good and has character, so I did appreciate that. Honestly, this wasn't a bad comic...they just aren't my thing.
Having said this, I have watched the Scott Pilgrim movie and enjoyed it just fine. It was strange and fun and quirky. This comic is much the same, but it is terribly jerky in movement from scene to scene in a way that I had to make sure my copy wasn't missing pages. The art style is good and has character, so I did appreciate that. Honestly, this wasn't a bad comic...they just aren't my thing.