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jenbsbooks's Reviews (2.41k)
I liked this ... coming to review it after finishing it a couple days ago, it was already fading though. It wasn't even a super positive memory, I was thinking 2.75 for a rating. 3*? As I did some skimming (I had listened to the audiobook, but had the Kindle copy, and a physical copy) to refresh and review, I came to appreciate it more after the fact. There were some discussion questions (always a plus for me, a mini "book club" making me think of things I might not have otherwise) and a Q&A with the author. Enhance/Enrich were used as adjectives for these extras, and they really did! Ultimately giving this 4* ...
I had been a little confused with the dual timeline ... Odile in 1939 and young Lily in 1983. Odile is also a character in the 1983 timeline, but still I struggled a bit with the back and forth, trying to understand why the two stories were being told side-by-side. In the smallest way, it's a spoiler, because we/the reader, know a little about Odile (that she definitely survives, that Paul is not in the picture at this later date/not her married name). It should have been easy to keep the stories straight (being in such different times/settings) but I'd sometimes find myself having to check. Both were in first person/present tense. They had separate narrators in audio ... the POV name (printed header at the start of each chapter: Odile or Lily) was NOT stated, although the date/location was (even when that was NOT printed in the text). Even though it was "obvious" given the date and the narrator accent/voice ... my brain still would have liked the POV name to have been stated. In the Kindle copy, the POV was printed by the chapter in the Table of Contents ... alas, the audio just showed the numerical chapters, and of course, par for the present course, the physical book doesn't even deign to include a TOC. The connection of the timelines is obvious, as Odile is in both, but there's a certain moment in time that becomes more poignant when it is presented (nearer the end).
There were a few 3rd person chapter from different POVs ... Margaret, Boris, Miss Reeder, Paul. One chapter titled "The Barbershop Quartet" ... I didn't take specific note of these being voiced by a 3rd narrator, but there are three listed, as well as the author voicing her own author's notes (which makes it much more personalized to me).
I felt like I learned a little more about the history ... librarians taking books to "subscribers" (I thought that was an interesting descriptive word, instead of the "patrons" used today. The crow letters. There would be some interesting things to discuss (rights and wrongs) in a book club setting. Obviously, quite a bit of book talk too.
No proFanity. Some sex but nothing explicit.
The physical copy was quite lovely. Pretty cover, and the inside was decorated with all sorts of ephemera. Cute "library card" pocket visual for the author spotlight.
I had been a little confused with the dual timeline ... Odile in 1939 and young Lily in 1983. Odile is also a character in the 1983 timeline, but still I struggled a bit with the back and forth, trying to understand why the two stories were being told side-by-side. In the smallest way, it's a spoiler, because we/the reader, know a little about Odile (that she definitely survives, that Paul is not in the picture at this later date/not her married name). It should have been easy to keep the stories straight (being in such different times/settings) but I'd sometimes find myself having to check. Both were in first person/present tense. They had separate narrators in audio ... the POV name (printed header at the start of each chapter: Odile or Lily) was NOT stated, although the date/location was (even when that was NOT printed in the text). Even though it was "obvious" given the date and the narrator accent/voice ... my brain still would have liked the POV name to have been stated. In the Kindle copy, the POV was printed by the chapter in the Table of Contents ... alas, the audio just showed the numerical chapters, and of course, par for the present course, the physical book doesn't even deign to include a TOC. The connection of the timelines is obvious, as Odile is in both, but there's a certain moment in time that becomes more poignant when it is presented (nearer the end).
There were a few 3rd person chapter from different POVs ... Margaret, Boris, Miss Reeder, Paul. One chapter titled "The Barbershop Quartet" ... I didn't take specific note of these being voiced by a 3rd narrator, but there are three listed, as well as the author voicing her own author's notes (which makes it much more personalized to me).
I felt like I learned a little more about the history ... librarians taking books to "subscribers" (I thought that was an interesting descriptive word, instead of the "patrons" used today. The crow letters. There would be some interesting things to discuss (rights and wrongs) in a book club setting. Obviously, quite a bit of book talk too.
No proFanity. Some sex but nothing explicit.
The physical copy was quite lovely. Pretty cover, and the inside was decorated with all sorts of ephemera. Cute "library card" pocket visual for the author spotlight.
I found this very enjoyable. I think I'll remember it. Not really a lot of "book club discussion" or need for notes/highlights, but fun. I've put this on my "fairy tale" shelf, although it's absolutely a reimagining of Tangled specifically (rather than of Rapunzel per se). I must admit, it's been quite a while since I saw the movie, I peeked at the trailer for a slight refresher. Here, instead of Flynn, it's Fitz. Instead of a horse, it's a persnickety car (named Max). Ren absolutely comes off as the fresh-faced girl seeing the outside world for the first time (she's been sheltered, homeschooled on a rustic homestead). The audio was very effective, the bubbly, innocence brought to life. There were three narrators listed ... I just remember Red and Finn though.
Per the original material, we/the reader come in with a little foreknowledge ... in Rapunzel/Tangled, our MC had been kidnapped as a little girl, so the unfolding events aren't really a surprise (a DNA test revealing an unknown father leading to her quest ...) Fitz does seem very modeled after Flynn in the movie (some issues in his past. The "bar scene" from the movie is similarly set-up in the book. For all its light-heartedness, it does take a bit of a dark turn there at the end.
Just a sweet, fun idea, which I thought was well done. While listed as 4th in a "series" it looks more to be a topic compilation (fairy tale reimaginings) not a "sequel" - so I didn't pay any attention to order and just read this one (I may read the others after having a good experience here, although they are all from different authors).
No proFanity or sex. Other words I note: preternatural, detritus, cacophony. I had to highlight and look up perseverating. Book of Mormon mentioned (in a hotel nightstand).
Per the original material, we/the reader come in with a little foreknowledge ... in Rapunzel/Tangled, our MC had been kidnapped as a little girl, so the unfolding events aren't really a surprise (a DNA test revealing an unknown father leading to her quest ...) Fitz does seem very modeled after Flynn in the movie (some issues in his past. The "bar scene" from the movie is similarly set-up in the book. For all its light-heartedness, it does take a bit of a dark turn there at the end.
Just a sweet, fun idea, which I thought was well done. While listed as 4th in a "series" it looks more to be a topic compilation (fairy tale reimaginings) not a "sequel" - so I didn't pay any attention to order and just read this one (I may read the others after having a good experience here, although they are all from different authors).
No proFanity or sex. Other words I note: preternatural, detritus, cacophony. I had to highlight and look up perseverating. Book of Mormon mentioned (in a hotel nightstand).
I liked this ... didn't love it, as so many other seemed to. I feel like I'd heard nothing but rave reviews. Quite a few things to discuss (no discussion questions included, but I found some at https://www.readinggroupguides.com/printpdf/reviews/the-magic-strings-of-frankie-presto).
This had similarities to other stories for me ... while "Music" (as the main narrator) goes out of his way to tell us/the reader, he is not "death" ... he sounds just like Death from The Book Thief. As people pop in for little interviews, it felt a lot like Daisy Jones and the Six (I realize the latter was written afterward, but I had read it first). The PDF makes the "Forrest Gump Like ..." statement, which I did think of, but also compared it to Dave Grohl's The Storyteller, which parallells it as a musical journey. SO. Many. BIG Names. (in both!)
I borrowed both the audiobook and Kindle copy from the library, and went primarily with the audio. FULL CAST, but not really "graphic audio" ... no real sound effects and such. One thing I note is if a song is "sung" in the book, is it sung in narration? Here, it was a little of both (even with the same narrator/author). It made me wonder when it was "patter-speak" was that because a melody didn't exist? If that song was fiction, whereas others were "real" songs?
Mentions of so many real people (in the author's note, he seems to indicate he got permission to include them). Hank Williams, Elvis, Lyle Lovett, Ingrid Michelson, many more ... It was interesting to get the back story on the "Save the Last Dance" song (I looked it up to verify).
As for Frankie's story ... it was interesting, but I never fully got pulled in. All the time shifts were a bit confusing to keep up with, jumping around all over. Even with the "magical realism" of Music being the narrator, and the strings turning blue, as things tied up at the end I was a bit disappointed in the required suspension of disbelief. Really? it was ALL the nun watching him throughout his life? Setting everything up, making it all happen?
Interesting thoughts on a baby reaching out and grabbing talents that catch their eye.
The dialog was interesting in parts ... just statements ...
“Of course not.”
“I saved a life.”
“Of course.”
“These pigs—”
“Softly, Señor Rubio.”
“This Franco—”
“Do not speak of him, Señor Rubio.”
“I have done nothing wrong.”
“I understand.”
Tears. Breathing. Silence.
“Are you teaching him guitar?”
“Every day.”
“And his playing?”
... in audio, and with different voices for different people, it didn't stand out as much, but in writing - easy to get a little confused as to who is saying what.
No proFanity. Other words I note - cacophony
So, I liked it, glad it read it. I think I'll remember it fondly but it's not one I'd go out of my way to recommend, or track down a copy to keep in my library.
This had similarities to other stories for me ... while "Music" (as the main narrator) goes out of his way to tell us/the reader, he is not "death" ... he sounds just like Death from The Book Thief. As people pop in for little interviews, it felt a lot like Daisy Jones and the Six (I realize the latter was written afterward, but I had read it first). The PDF makes the "Forrest Gump Like ..." statement, which I did think of, but also compared it to Dave Grohl's The Storyteller, which parallells it as a musical journey. SO. Many. BIG Names. (in both!)
I borrowed both the audiobook and Kindle copy from the library, and went primarily with the audio. FULL CAST, but not really "graphic audio" ... no real sound effects and such. One thing I note is if a song is "sung" in the book, is it sung in narration? Here, it was a little of both (even with the same narrator/author). It made me wonder when it was "patter-speak" was that because a melody didn't exist? If that song was fiction, whereas others were "real" songs?
Mentions of so many real people (in the author's note, he seems to indicate he got permission to include them). Hank Williams, Elvis, Lyle Lovett, Ingrid Michelson, many more ... It was interesting to get the back story on the "Save the Last Dance" song (I looked it up to verify).
As for Frankie's story ... it was interesting, but I never fully got pulled in. All the time shifts were a bit confusing to keep up with, jumping around all over. Even with the "magical realism" of Music being the narrator, and the strings turning blue, as things tied up at the end I was a bit disappointed in the required suspension of disbelief. Really?
Interesting thoughts on a baby reaching out and grabbing talents that catch their eye.
The dialog was interesting in parts ... just statements ...
“Of course not.”
“I saved a life.”
“Of course.”
“These pigs—”
“Softly, Señor Rubio.”
“This Franco—”
“Do not speak of him, Señor Rubio.”
“I have done nothing wrong.”
“I understand.”
Tears. Breathing. Silence.
“Are you teaching him guitar?”
“Every day.”
“And his playing?”
... in audio, and with different voices for different people, it didn't stand out as much, but in writing - easy to get a little confused as to who is saying what.
No proFanity. Other words I note - cacophony
So, I liked it, glad it read it. I think I'll remember it fondly but it's not one I'd go out of my way to recommend, or track down a copy to keep in my library.
I read through five chapters. a third of the way through ... and it just wasn't grabbing me. I want to "want" to continue reading, but instead, I'd just want to put it down again. I'm more picky when it comes to "reading" ... as that's dedicated time (compared to multi-tasking with audiobooks).
Set in 1814 London. 3rd person. Past tense. The POV would shift from Alicia to Justin. I was getting a little confused at the Justin storyline ... he's supposed to take over his uncle's publishing company, but now he doesn't want to? Is he taking over Caulfield Publishing or is it closing (thus him seeking out a new publisher/Lane).
An article in the paper, an anonymous review suggests two authors could learn from each other, on how to write the opposite sex more convincingly. Justin knows Alicia is the other author, Alicia doesn't recognize Justin ...
... but, I'm calling it. Ironic to have a book talking about author's writing, and yet I felt this felt somewhat stilted. I'd picked up the book as a Kindle freebie.
Set in 1814 London. 3rd person. Past tense. The POV would shift from Alicia to Justin. I was getting a little confused at the Justin storyline ... he's supposed to take over his uncle's publishing company, but now he doesn't want to? Is he taking over Caulfield Publishing or is it closing (thus him seeking out a new publisher/Lane).
An article in the paper, an anonymous review suggests two authors could learn from each other, on how to write the opposite sex more convincingly. Justin knows Alicia is the other author, Alicia doesn't recognize Justin ...
... but, I'm calling it. Ironic to have a book talking about author's writing, and yet I felt this felt somewhat stilted. I'd picked up the book as a Kindle freebie.
I liked this (3.5*) ... recipes (I didn't try any, but they seemed complete) interspersed with the story added a unique feel, and there was some interesting information about apples and wine. Mostly contemporary, but there were some historical shifts/WW2 storyline in the past.
The MC would be Tess, although it was all 3rd person, and we occasionally got some chapters/portions, from other POVs, other times. I was going primarily with the audio, but had the Kindle copy too, and at times I had to stop and check the text, as some of the shifts were quite abrupt (maybe easier to register while reading than listening? Or maybe I'm just multi-tasking too much and miss some things?)
I'm not sure how much this story will stand out in my memory. Overall, it was sweet, almost a bit of a "Hallmark Christmas" feel (it does in fact overlap into the holiday season, Thanksgiving and Christmas). I enjoyed it in the moment, but thinking back on it, there seemed too many coincidences and "really?" moments. Maybe I'm too critical just that Magnus and Annelise had an affair that ended in a pregnancy, where she gave the child to Magnus and his wife to raise. That said child Erik getting two women pregnant at the same time (the men in this family line apparently can't stay faithful). Tess dropping everything to spend several months away from her home/work to be absolutely accepted by a family - they didn't know her, she didn't know about them. That Tess happens to be a provenance expert, and happens to notice a Fabergé egg in a couple photos, and then happens to be able to track said multi-million dollar egg down, and save the family from financial ruin ... all while falling in love with the perfect boy next door
The prologue ... as a reader just coming into the story, it'd hard to catch all the names/connections when we don't know the characters yet. Quite a few hints (or even obvious call-outs, possibly even spoilers?) there if a reader is paying attention (I wasn't really, but re-read it ... ahhh).
I stopped a couple of times to find my spot, make some notes/highlights. There were discussion questions included, although I didn't crave a discussion/deep dive as I do with some books I finish up.
10 parts, with chronological chapters running throughout. The recipe portions were title in the Table of Contents, but not the intermittent chapter headers (giving the location, but not the date ... the date would have been helpful at times too). That was in the Kindle copy ... the Audible TOC only had the chapters listed (it didn't even include the Parts breakdown) AND the chapters didn't line up. Chapter4 in Audible is Part3/Chapter3. That really annoys me, as I often am trying to find my place between formats.
One use of proFanity. Other words I note: peripatetic, preternaturally, sneaked, detritus, swath
Mentions of milkweed. Dominic has a "bad ear" (injury) ... Hubs does too. A little too much of a troupe to make a confession of love, and be unheard (usually the person has fallen asleep).
First in a series ... completed story, no cliffhanger. Looks like the sequels feature secondary characters (#2 is about Isabell ... I do like "bee" stories). We'll see if I continue ...
Borrowed the Kindle copy from the library ... taking advantage of an Amazon Music promo w/Audible included (one book borrow a month) and this was my pick for April. Not marked as an AudibleExclusive in audio, but none of my libraries had the audio, nor did Spotify.
The MC would be Tess, although it was all 3rd person, and we occasionally got some chapters/portions, from other POVs, other times. I was going primarily with the audio, but had the Kindle copy too, and at times I had to stop and check the text, as some of the shifts were quite abrupt (maybe easier to register while reading than listening? Or maybe I'm just multi-tasking too much and miss some things?)
I'm not sure how much this story will stand out in my memory. Overall, it was sweet, almost a bit of a "Hallmark Christmas" feel (it does in fact overlap into the holiday season, Thanksgiving and Christmas). I enjoyed it in the moment, but thinking back on it, there seemed too many coincidences and "really?" moments. Maybe I'm too critical
The prologue ... as a reader just coming into the story, it'd hard to catch all the names/connections when we don't know the characters yet. Quite a few hints (or even obvious call-outs, possibly even spoilers?) there if a reader is paying attention (I wasn't really, but re-read it ... ahhh).
I stopped a couple of times to find my spot, make some notes/highlights. There were discussion questions included, although I didn't crave a discussion/deep dive as I do with some books I finish up.
10 parts, with chronological chapters running throughout. The recipe portions were title in the Table of Contents, but not the intermittent chapter headers (giving the location, but not the date ... the date would have been helpful at times too). That was in the Kindle copy ... the Audible TOC only had the chapters listed (it didn't even include the Parts breakdown) AND the chapters didn't line up. Chapter4 in Audible is Part3/Chapter3. That really annoys me, as I often am trying to find my place between formats.
One use of proFanity. Other words I note: peripatetic, preternaturally, sneaked, detritus, swath
Mentions of milkweed. Dominic has a "bad ear" (injury) ... Hubs does too. A little too much of a troupe to make a confession of love, and be unheard (usually the person has fallen asleep).
First in a series ... completed story, no cliffhanger. Looks like the sequels feature secondary characters (#2 is about Isabell ... I do like "bee" stories). We'll see if I continue ...
Borrowed the Kindle copy from the library ... taking advantage of an Amazon Music promo w/Audible included (one book borrow a month) and this was my pick for April. Not marked as an AudibleExclusive in audio, but none of my libraries had the audio, nor did Spotify.
I liked this sequel to book 1 ... 3* is "liked it" ... I just don't have a whole lot more to say about it. Even coming in knowing the series was unfinished, it's a bit frustrating to just be left hanging.
Most of the story felt like an extended fantasy soap-opera. Again, we that the "present day" where Kote is telling his story to The Chronicler. These "Interludes" are 3rd person/past tense. I enjoyed the little banter (a little reminiscent of coming out of "The Princess Bride" story and the conversations between the grandfather and grandson) ... up until the end, when there was a less than pleasant interaction. Honestly, I didn't understand the ending, but I guess it doesn't really matter, as there isn't any more story ...
This got bogged down for me a bit, when Kvothe was in with the Fae for so long (being introduced to sexual delights, only the start for him ...) and then his time/training with the Lethani, learning Ademic and hand talk.
Again, I went primarily with the audiobook (had purchased it during an Audible sale). The narration is good and, as I look through the Kindle copy (borrowed from the library) I don't even know that I recognize half of the names! I'm not sure what pronunciations my brain would have come up with. I would NOT have pronounced Fela "fella" ( ... this beautiful girl called mr/guy ... fella ). I'm definitely struggling to remember the names ... but I guess that doesn't matter, as I won't be reading the sequel, as the author never got around to writing it.
The irony of the dedication ... "To my patient fans, for reading the blog and telling me what they really want is an excellent book, even if it takes a little longer." But I don't think ANY of the fans are THIS patient, eight years at this point.
“If whatever you’re going to do is wrong, you might as well do whatever you want.”
ONE single f-bomb. Other words I note ... panoply, palimpsest, dias, swath, snuck. So much talk of the "lute case" ... rhymes with "suitcase" ;) Several songs ... all "patterspeak" which ironically makes them "poetry" not music, and we KNOW what young Kvothe thinks of that! “Poetry is a song without music,” I said loftily. “A song without music is like a body without a soul.” So ironic that the audiobook presents it that way :(
Most of the story felt like an extended fantasy soap-opera. Again, we that the "present day" where Kote is telling his story to The Chronicler. These "Interludes" are 3rd person/past tense. I enjoyed the little banter (a little reminiscent of coming out of "The Princess Bride" story and the conversations between the grandfather and grandson) ... up until the end, when there was a less than pleasant interaction. Honestly, I didn't understand the ending, but I guess it doesn't really matter, as there isn't any more story ...
This got bogged down for me a bit, when Kvothe was in with the Fae for so long (being introduced to sexual delights, only the start for him ...) and then his time/training with the Lethani, learning Ademic and hand talk.
Again, I went primarily with the audiobook (had purchased it during an Audible sale). The narration is good and, as I look through the Kindle copy (borrowed from the library) I don't even know that I recognize half of the names! I'm not sure what pronunciations my brain would have come up with. I would NOT have pronounced Fela "fella" ( ... this beautiful girl called mr/guy ... fella ). I'm definitely struggling to remember the names ... but I guess that doesn't matter, as I won't be reading the sequel, as the author never got around to writing it.
The irony of the dedication ... "To my patient fans, for reading the blog and telling me what they really want is an excellent book, even if it takes a little longer." But I don't think ANY of the fans are THIS patient, eight years at this point.
“If whatever you’re going to do is wrong, you might as well do whatever you want.”
ONE single f-bomb. Other words I note ... panoply, palimpsest, dias, swath, snuck. So much talk of the "lute case" ... rhymes with "suitcase" ;) Several songs ... all "patterspeak" which ironically makes them "poetry" not music, and we KNOW what young Kvothe thinks of that! “Poetry is a song without music,” I said loftily. “A song without music is like a body without a soul.” So ironic that the audiobook presents it that way :(
Quick read, easy/enjoyable, lots of little tidbits ... I went primarily with the audio, although I had the Kindle copy from the library as well. There were many times I was listening that I thought "I should stop and find that part, highlights/take notes" ... little profound statements, or things that would be good discussion points for a book club type setting. I jotted some quick things down in my phone notes, and looked up what others had saved in the GoodReads quotes section.
I loved the "voice" of the book, the young girl, the southern accent ... the narration matched very well! I had seen the movie adaptation some years ago, long enough that I didn't really remember the story, but just enough to envision some of the movie characters as the faces/voices here.
Each chapter started with a little fact about bees/bee keeping ... these seem to be from other actual works (I kind of expected a bibliography of sources at the end, that was not there, but all the ones I double checked were actual books). I really liked this info, and what it brought to the book. In print, they were in italics, very distinct and different. In audio, I almost wished these quotes were a little more set apart (different narrator) just to make them more separate (in voice).
I really liked the story itself ... the characters and their experiences. Lots to think about on what makes a family, sisterhood, race issues, etc. Loved the setting, I could really feel the atmosphere and ambience of the sun and the bees.
Interesting extras at the end (and a reason why I always try to get the Kindle copy, as these weren't included in the audio version) ... an interview with the author, about THIS book (more interesting to me than a general q&a about their life/other books) and a set of discussion questions ... I always appreciate that. It's like my own little book club, bringing up things I might not have thought of on my own. Making me delve a little deeper. It ups the appreciation for me.
No proFanity.
I loved the "voice" of the book, the young girl, the southern accent ... the narration matched very well! I had seen the movie adaptation some years ago, long enough that I didn't really remember the story, but just enough to envision some of the movie characters as the faces/voices here.
Each chapter started with a little fact about bees/bee keeping ... these seem to be from other actual works (I kind of expected a bibliography of sources at the end, that was not there, but all the ones I double checked were actual books). I really liked this info, and what it brought to the book. In print, they were in italics, very distinct and different. In audio, I almost wished these quotes were a little more set apart (different narrator) just to make them more separate (in voice).
I really liked the story itself ... the characters and their experiences. Lots to think about on what makes a family, sisterhood, race issues, etc. Loved the setting, I could really feel the atmosphere and ambience of the sun and the bees.
Interesting extras at the end (and a reason why I always try to get the Kindle copy, as these weren't included in the audio version) ... an interview with the author, about THIS book (more interesting to me than a general q&a about their life/other books) and a set of discussion questions ... I always appreciate that. It's like my own little book club, bringing up things I might not have thought of on my own. Making me delve a little deeper. It ups the appreciation for me.
No proFanity.
This probably would not have been a usual pick for me ... it was recommended somewhere, and it was one that was available on Spotify, but not at the library. As Spotify now includes 15 hours of an audiobook per month, I feel obligated to get my perk. Thus, this was my pick for April 2025. I was able to borrow the Kindle copy from the library. I went primarily with the audio ...
The writing/language was not the easiest to understand/follow. Assuming this character has English as a second language, he has a wide vocabulary. Some of the words I stopped to look up and/or highlight, words I note: louche, penurious, crapulent, abnegation, palimpsest (ironically the third time I've seen this one in April alone!), chiaroscuro, ambuscade, priapic, purloined, deign, kudzu, bucolic, preternatural, proFanity x 15. ... and listening in audio, I probably didn't catch half of the words I might have reading myself. ...
He has numerous people that he refers to by a descriptive title ... the crapulent major, the affectless lieutenant, the philosophical medic, the grizzled captain, the dark marine, the skinny RTO. On the one hand, it was unique and entertaining, on the other ... it became quite repetitive. "The crapulent major" was said 76 times! I'm sure in other novels, character's names are said even more than that, but because of this naming, it really stood out here.
There were some interesting topics ... prostitutes and communism, the irony of a "sleeper agent" stressed with insomnia, the "pursuit" of happiness guaranteed - but not actual happiness. There was an explicit sexual scene and he/the MC comes out and says "Some will undoubtedly find this episode obscene. Not I! Massacre is obscene. Torture is obscene. Three million dead is obscene. Masturbation, even with an admittedly nonconsensual squid? Not so much." and in truth, that IS a really good point.
"Death by 1000 paper cuts" ... (I've just noted the "death by 1000 cuts" in other books).
I feel like I learned a little about the Vietnam War, and about the lives of those who transitioned to the states. It just didn't unfold as a story as much as other historical fiction.
Extras included at the end, an essay and a Q&A Interview ... some interesting stuff, but in audio, the Q&A blended together with the same voice reading both the questions and the answers. I wish there had been two different voices, some distinction between who was talking ... it was hard to tell in audio. Two narrators were needed there.
The writing/language was not the easiest to understand/follow. Assuming this character has English as a second language, he has a wide vocabulary. Some of the words I stopped to look up and/or highlight, words I note: louche, penurious, crapulent, abnegation, palimpsest (ironically the third time I've seen this one in April alone!), chiaroscuro, ambuscade, priapic, purloined, deign, kudzu, bucolic, preternatural, proFanity x 15. ... and listening in audio, I probably didn't catch half of the words I might have reading myself. ...
He has numerous people that he refers to by a descriptive title ... the crapulent major, the affectless lieutenant, the philosophical medic, the grizzled captain, the dark marine, the skinny RTO. On the one hand, it was unique and entertaining, on the other ... it became quite repetitive. "The crapulent major" was said 76 times! I'm sure in other novels, character's names are said even more than that, but because of this naming, it really stood out here.
There were some interesting topics ... prostitutes and communism, the irony of a "sleeper agent" stressed with insomnia, the "pursuit" of happiness guaranteed - but not actual happiness. There was an explicit sexual scene and he/the MC comes out and says "Some will undoubtedly find this episode obscene. Not I! Massacre is obscene. Torture is obscene. Three million dead is obscene. Masturbation, even with an admittedly nonconsensual squid? Not so much." and in truth, that IS a really good point.
"Death by 1000 paper cuts" ... (I've just noted the "death by 1000 cuts" in other books).
I feel like I learned a little about the Vietnam War, and about the lives of those who transitioned to the states. It just didn't unfold as a story as much as other historical fiction.
Extras included at the end, an essay and a Q&A Interview ... some interesting stuff, but in audio, the Q&A blended together with the same voice reading both the questions and the answers. I wish there had been two different voices, some distinction between who was talking ... it was hard to tell in audio. Two narrators were needed there.
I liked this ... I'm not sure I'll really remember it. Other than the "liked it" it didn't check many of my boxes for a 5* read (I have a list on my profile). I didn't really make any notes/highlights, and didn't feel the urge to discuss (no discussion questions included, I didn't try Googling).
I went primarily with the audio, although I juggled library holds until I could get the Kindle copy at the same time. 59 chapters, that listed the POV and location (sometimes the date). The Kindle Table of Contents showed the POV, I wish the audiobook TOC did too. Really though, the majority of chapters were "Clara" chapters, and they were in 1st person. The few Bronwyn and Charlie chapters were 3rd person. It was the same narrator for Bronwyn, but a male narrator for the Charlie chapters. On the one hand I liked that distinction, on the other hand, then we had different narrators trying to "voice" the same characters (ie, little Winnie) and they don't sound the same.
This was one of those where Chapter 1 really could have (should have?) been a prologue, and the final chapter/ch59 an epilogue. I felt like there was enough distinction (in time, and they were the only chapters in the book in the present tense) that they weren't just "chapters" ...
No proFanity. Other words I note ... roiled, swathed, hedgerows, detritus. This had both snuck and sneaked (I feel like most people use one or the other?)
I went primarily with the audio, although I juggled library holds until I could get the Kindle copy at the same time. 59 chapters, that listed the POV and location (sometimes the date). The Kindle Table of Contents showed the POV, I wish the audiobook TOC did too. Really though, the majority of chapters were "Clara" chapters, and they were in 1st person. The few Bronwyn and Charlie chapters were 3rd person. It was the same narrator for Bronwyn, but a male narrator for the Charlie chapters. On the one hand I liked that distinction, on the other hand, then we had different narrators trying to "voice" the same characters (ie, little Winnie) and they don't sound the same.
This was one of those where Chapter 1 really could have (should have?) been a prologue, and the final chapter/ch59 an epilogue. I felt like there was enough distinction (in time, and they were the only chapters in the book in the present tense) that they weren't just "chapters" ...
No proFanity. Other words I note ... roiled, swathed, hedgerows, detritus. This had both snuck and sneaked (I feel like most people use one or the other?)
I liked this ... it wasn't as memorable as Mistborn, so I figure I'll better go right on and get to the sequel. I had been putting this off as I knew the series was unfinished. I guess people are saying the author isn't ever going to get around to book 3? I had purchased the Audible editions of book 1&2 during a sale, and was able to borrow the Kindle copy from the library. I had also found a physical copy at a thrift store, which I snagged to have on hand for flipping through (and it can go in my LFL ...)
92 chapters, with descriptive headers, plus a prologue and epilogue. Chapter 1 introduces us to Kote, at the Inn, Chapter 2 to Chronicler (character "name" and what he does). The chapters alternate between these two until they meet. Chapter 7 "Of Beginnings and the Names of Things" starts in the 3rd person, then switches to 1st as Kote/Kvothe tells his story, and the majority of the book is then this story of Kvothe's younger years and adventures. There are occasional "interludes" that bring us back to the "present" of Koth at the inn, talking with Chronicler. At least once, there is a "story within a story" (as Kvothe recounts a story told to him).
In my "old age" I think I've moved away from fantasy ... maybe my brain is struggling with all the unique names and different worlds and possibilities. I really didn't have much trouble sticking with this though. It wasn't edge of your seat excitement, but it kept my interest. At times I'd dash to my Kindle copy to try and find something (I was going primarily with the audio) to make notes/highlights, or make a note on my phone ...
No proFanity ... other words I notice: snuck, careen, deign, rifling, arcane, swath, roil, hedgerows, ashen (this had just been the word on Wordle and then sure enough, there in my book!) I was doing laundry, treating some grease spots with Spray N Wash when a character in the book stated "this better not stain!" ... I love funny connections like that. Enjoyed young K talking about his cool cloak, with POCKETS!
A song was sung ... but not sung by the narrator. I realize not all narrators feel comfortable singing, and that not all "songs" written into books even have a real melody, but ... I really dislike the "patter speak" and it always disrupts my listen. I think here it was complicated even more, I think it was K's mother singing if I remember correctly (even more awkward for a male narrator). Just something I notice ...
There are lots of QUOTES saved on GoodReads (I love to see what others have highlighted and saved) ... I saved several myself. The final thoughts of the books, about masks, about becoming what we pretend, or even how others see us, was profound.
92 chapters, with descriptive headers, plus a prologue and epilogue. Chapter 1 introduces us to Kote, at the Inn, Chapter 2 to Chronicler (character "name" and what he does). The chapters alternate between these two until they meet. Chapter 7 "Of Beginnings and the Names of Things" starts in the 3rd person, then switches to 1st as Kote/Kvothe tells his story, and the majority of the book is then this story of Kvothe's younger years and adventures. There are occasional "interludes" that bring us back to the "present" of Koth at the inn, talking with Chronicler. At least once, there is a "story within a story" (as Kvothe recounts a story told to him).
In my "old age" I think I've moved away from fantasy ... maybe my brain is struggling with all the unique names and different worlds and possibilities. I really didn't have much trouble sticking with this though. It wasn't edge of your seat excitement, but it kept my interest. At times I'd dash to my Kindle copy to try and find something (I was going primarily with the audio) to make notes/highlights, or make a note on my phone ...
No proFanity ... other words I notice: snuck, careen, deign, rifling, arcane, swath, roil, hedgerows, ashen (this had just been the word on Wordle and then sure enough, there in my book!) I was doing laundry, treating some grease spots with Spray N Wash when a character in the book stated "this better not stain!" ... I love funny connections like that. Enjoyed young K talking about his cool cloak, with POCKETS!
A song was sung ... but not sung by the narrator. I realize not all narrators feel comfortable singing, and that not all "songs" written into books even have a real melody, but ... I really dislike the "patter speak" and it always disrupts my listen. I think here it was complicated even more, I think it was K's mother singing if I remember correctly (even more awkward for a male narrator). Just something I notice ...
There are lots of QUOTES saved on GoodReads (I love to see what others have highlighted and saved) ... I saved several myself. The final thoughts of the books, about masks, about becoming what we pretend, or even how others see us, was profound.