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heddas_bookgems's Reviews (490)
Kristin Hannah's novel The Nightingale recounts the lives of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, during the German occupation of France in World War II. It explores the harsh realities of life under occupation and the difficult choices that people face in such circumstances.
This novel challenges the marginalization of women's role in the war and highlights the story of a young Belgian resistance heroine, Andrée de Jongh. It prompts readers to question their own morality when faced with such choices and shows how war can bring out the best and worst in people.
Hannah herself was moved by the central question posed in her research: "When would I, as a wife and mother, risk my life and my son’s life to save a stranger?"
However the book has been criticized for being overly dramatic or sentimental. Others mention that it has some historical flaws concerning details about life in France during that period. And while I do recognize these discrepancies it remains a compelling story of two strong women struggling to survive the occupation in France during World War II. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in books about this period and the role of women during the war.
An emotional read that leaves readers with a lot to ponder.
This novel challenges the marginalization of women's role in the war and highlights the story of a young Belgian resistance heroine, Andrée de Jongh. It prompts readers to question their own morality when faced with such choices and shows how war can bring out the best and worst in people.
Hannah herself was moved by the central question posed in her research: "When would I, as a wife and mother, risk my life and my son’s life to save a stranger?"
However the book has been criticized for being overly dramatic or sentimental. Others mention that it has some historical flaws concerning details about life in France during that period. And while I do recognize these discrepancies it remains a compelling story of two strong women struggling to survive the occupation in France during World War II. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in books about this period and the role of women during the war.
An emotional read that leaves readers with a lot to ponder.
Mockingjay marks the conclusion of the widely popular Hunger Games series. This last book follows Katniss Everdeen, who, after being appointed by the rebels as the symbol of resistance, becomes "The Mockingjay." But her newfound leadership role brings with it great risk, and Katniss's battles with mental health issues become even more significant as a result.
The book is a clear departure from the previous two installments in terms of tone. It's raw, emotional, and deals with political and strategic themes while also tackling mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and the trauma of war. The extreme violence in some parts of the book makes it more challenging to enjoy, but it effectively portrays the devastating effects of war on both sides.
Despite the book's darker tone, I enjoyed reading it as the conclusion to the trilogy. It was able to tie everything together, and it was rewarding to see Katniss grow out of her young adult persona and into adulthood.
The book is a clear departure from the previous two installments in terms of tone. It's raw, emotional, and deals with political and strategic themes while also tackling mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and the trauma of war. The extreme violence in some parts of the book makes it more challenging to enjoy, but it effectively portrays the devastating effects of war on both sides.
Despite the book's darker tone, I enjoyed reading it as the conclusion to the trilogy. It was able to tie everything together, and it was rewarding to see Katniss grow out of her young adult persona and into adulthood.
In the final book of the Brown Sisters Trilogy, Eve Brown is faced with a difficult situation after a falling out with her parents. Her trust fund is cut off, she's jobless, and she finds herself homeless. In her frustration, she drives away in her car and ends up at a job interview in a B&B where she meets Jacob – a socially awkward yet handsome man who she accidentally hits with her car. To make amends, she decides to help Jacob run the B&B.
The entire series was excruciatingly hot and this one was no exception. It had well-crafted characters with all sorts of health issues that made it easy to connect with. And they were extremely funny (even though for some it might be somewhat crass). There even were a few cameos from the previous two sisters. Which felt like reuniting with dear friends.
While the romance between Eve and Jacob was well-executed, I particularly admired the vulnerability displayed by both characters. Unfortunately I found that both characters were attracted to each other too easily. Additionally, I felt that the portrayal of Jacob as a person on the spectrum was somewhat contrived. However, I was thoroughly impressed by how the grumpy versus sunshine trope was executed.
Overall, this book is a delightful read, with some heartwarming moments, steamy scenes, and a few teary-eyed moments as well.
The entire series was excruciatingly hot and this one was no exception. It had well-crafted characters with all sorts of health issues that made it easy to connect with. And they were extremely funny (even though for some it might be somewhat crass). There even were a few cameos from the previous two sisters. Which felt like reuniting with dear friends.
While the romance between Eve and Jacob was well-executed, I particularly admired the vulnerability displayed by both characters. Unfortunately I found that both characters were attracted to each other too easily. Additionally, I felt that the portrayal of Jacob as a person on the spectrum was somewhat contrived. However, I was thoroughly impressed by how the grumpy versus sunshine trope was executed.
Overall, this book is a delightful read, with some heartwarming moments, steamy scenes, and a few teary-eyed moments as well.
Alex Claremont-Diaz is the son of the first female President of the United States and a successful young "royal." He's intelligent, ambitious, and undeniably charming. When he attends a royal wedding in the United Kingdom, he hopes to avoid the snobbish Prince of Wales. However, they end up making headlines when they accidentally stumble into a wedding cake and must pretend to be best friends to save face.
This book has garnered significant attention, and for good reason. It's both funny and poignant, striking a balance between sweet and steamy. The novel also addresses issues of vulnerability, politics, and acceptance. The question of whether a female president or a gay royal relationship can be accepted in the present day is thought-provoking and relevant.
While most books with this level of hype often fail to deliver, "Red, White & Royal Blue" lives up to expectations. It's a captivating read that will have you hooked from start to finish. The only criticism is that the ending may be a bit of a stretch, but it's a minor flaw in an otherwise exceptional book.
This book has garnered significant attention, and for good reason. It's both funny and poignant, striking a balance between sweet and steamy. The novel also addresses issues of vulnerability, politics, and acceptance. The question of whether a female president or a gay royal relationship can be accepted in the present day is thought-provoking and relevant.
While most books with this level of hype often fail to deliver, "Red, White & Royal Blue" lives up to expectations. It's a captivating read that will have you hooked from start to finish. The only criticism is that the ending may be a bit of a stretch, but it's a minor flaw in an otherwise exceptional book.
Tori Spring, a natural cynic, was leading a normal teenage life until everything changed. Now, she struggles to sleep and blogs to pass the time. Her life is further complicated when an online organization called Solitaire appears at her school, and Michael Holden suddenly wants to be her friend.
Alice Oseman, mostly known for her popular serie Heartstopper, first began her writing career with Solitaire. The novel has a darker theme and features characters that also appear in Heartstopper, taking place a year later after Heartstopper Volume 1.
As a fan of Heartstopper, I sought out Oseman's other works and was pleased with what I found. While the book may have a few beginner errors, it is still an enjoyable read. Tori is one of my favorite characters, and I love that she is a cynical girl who slurps her lemonade. Delving into her backstory was both humorous and intense. Tori might appear unaffected by the events of Heartstopper, this novel reveals that she secretly has a lot to deal with, including issues like self-harm, eating disorders, and dark thoughts.
Although the themes can be heavy, the novel maintains a light tone. Additionally, there are several cameos from Nick and Charlie, making it a great read for fans. Overall, Solitaire is a promising start, to what I hope, will be many more great works from Oseman.
Alice Oseman, mostly known for her popular serie Heartstopper, first began her writing career with Solitaire. The novel has a darker theme and features characters that also appear in Heartstopper, taking place a year later after Heartstopper Volume 1.
As a fan of Heartstopper, I sought out Oseman's other works and was pleased with what I found. While the book may have a few beginner errors, it is still an enjoyable read. Tori is one of my favorite characters, and I love that she is a cynical girl who slurps her lemonade. Delving into her backstory was both humorous and intense. Tori might appear unaffected by the events of Heartstopper, this novel reveals that she secretly has a lot to deal with, including issues like self-harm, eating disorders, and dark thoughts.
Although the themes can be heavy, the novel maintains a light tone. Additionally, there are several cameos from Nick and Charlie, making it a great read for fans. Overall, Solitaire is a promising start, to what I hope, will be many more great works from Oseman.
Cleopatra and Frankenstein is a compelling novel that delves into the intricate dynamics of falling in love with a stranger and the consequences that arise from pursuing romantic feelings. It is a character-driven story that follows multiple individuals and their experiences with co-dependency, unhealthy relationships, and addiction while living in Manhattan. The novel is written in beautiful prose with witty dialogues that bring the characters to life.
As a self-proclaimed Rooney girl, I was intrigued to read this book. I understand that the term may not always be viewed positively, but I find that the books I've read with this label are often smart, lyrical, and raw. While I found similarities between Mellors and other white female writers who explore the millennial experience, the comparison ends there. The book is raw and talks about the complexities of relationships, the impact of desire, and the importance of finding one's path in life.
Although I enjoyed the novel, I wasn't entirely convinced. While the characters were intriguing, some were not fleshed out enough, and the Rooney label may have raised my expectations too high. Nonetheless, it was an excellent debut and met my high standards halfway.
As a self-proclaimed Rooney girl, I was intrigued to read this book. I understand that the term may not always be viewed positively, but I find that the books I've read with this label are often smart, lyrical, and raw. While I found similarities between Mellors and other white female writers who explore the millennial experience, the comparison ends there. The book is raw and talks about the complexities of relationships, the impact of desire, and the importance of finding one's path in life.
Although I enjoyed the novel, I wasn't entirely convinced. While the characters were intriguing, some were not fleshed out enough, and the Rooney label may have raised my expectations too high. Nonetheless, it was an excellent debut and met my high standards halfway.
Ship of Magic takes readers on a journey across the seas, introducing multiple characters and their stories, all while featuring living, talking ships. As a fan of the Realm of the Elderlings, I was thrilled to embark on this new adventure.
At first, I found it challenging to adjust to the large cast of characters and the slower pace of the book. Coming from the Farseer trilogy, Fitz's character had left a lasting impression on me. However, as I kept reading, I found myself rooting for the characters, and the book's strengths began to shine through.
One of Robin Hobb's most impressive talents is creating characters that come to life on the page. The characters in Ship of Magic are not just roles, but real people with unique personalities, quirks, and flaws. It's impossible not to become invested in their stories and feel strong emotions towards them.
While the book's worldbuilding is immaculate, growth is the book's central theme. The characters evolve throughout the story, and the plotline grows along with them. A pirate adventure, a treasure hunt, slave uprisings, dashing heroes on talking ships, serpents, bloody battles, and a strong cast of women fighting against the patriarchy make this book an exciting read.
Overall, Ship of Magic was not my favorite book initially, but it won me over halfway through. It's a thrilling read with dynamic characters, and I give it a 4 minus.
At first, I found it challenging to adjust to the large cast of characters and the slower pace of the book. Coming from the Farseer trilogy, Fitz's character had left a lasting impression on me. However, as I kept reading, I found myself rooting for the characters, and the book's strengths began to shine through.
One of Robin Hobb's most impressive talents is creating characters that come to life on the page. The characters in Ship of Magic are not just roles, but real people with unique personalities, quirks, and flaws. It's impossible not to become invested in their stories and feel strong emotions towards them.
While the book's worldbuilding is immaculate, growth is the book's central theme. The characters evolve throughout the story, and the plotline grows along with them. A pirate adventure, a treasure hunt, slave uprisings, dashing heroes on talking ships, serpents, bloody battles, and a strong cast of women fighting against the patriarchy make this book an exciting read.
Overall, Ship of Magic was not my favorite book initially, but it won me over halfway through. It's a thrilling read with dynamic characters, and I give it a 4 minus.
Lessons in Chemistry follows the story of Elizabeth Zot, a brilliant chemist in the 1950s who faced gender discrimination in a male-dominated field. Despite receiving an offer to work on a cooking TV show, Elizabeth continued to fight for equality.
At first, the book didn't seem to be what I was expecting. Perhaps it was the title or the U.S. cover, but I was surprised to find that it wasn't a love story. Although love was a key element, it was more about the struggles of women in the 50s and 60s against strict gender roles. The book delves into the issues of sexism, abuse, inequality, and loss in a powerful and unforgettable way.
But don't be fooled into thinking it's boring or overly feminist. I found myself laughing out loud at Elizabeth's socially awkward humor and cheering her on as she triumphed over life's setbacks.
Bonnie Garmus' debut novel was impressive. While there were some minor flaws, such as sudden shifts to magical realism and narrative hopping, the overall writing was excellent, with wonderfully developed characters and a captivating plot. I gave it a solid 4.5 stars and highly recommend it to anyone seeking an engaging book with a smart, strong, and funny protagonist. Just be sure to check for trigger warnings before you start reading.
At first, the book didn't seem to be what I was expecting. Perhaps it was the title or the U.S. cover, but I was surprised to find that it wasn't a love story. Although love was a key element, it was more about the struggles of women in the 50s and 60s against strict gender roles. The book delves into the issues of sexism, abuse, inequality, and loss in a powerful and unforgettable way.
But don't be fooled into thinking it's boring or overly feminist. I found myself laughing out loud at Elizabeth's socially awkward humor and cheering her on as she triumphed over life's setbacks.
Bonnie Garmus' debut novel was impressive. While there were some minor flaws, such as sudden shifts to magical realism and narrative hopping, the overall writing was excellent, with wonderfully developed characters and a captivating plot. I gave it a solid 4.5 stars and highly recommend it to anyone seeking an engaging book with a smart, strong, and funny protagonist. Just be sure to check for trigger warnings before you start reading.