jo_22's Reviews (399)

Couldn’t put it down, super thrilling and a great twist/ending. A few parts that seemed a bit unrealistic but that added to how engaging it was as a thriller.

This novel is beautifully multi-faceted. Gyasi has engaging descriptive language and relatable character development/growth. I know it is good writing when I feel I relate to the main character deeply despite their circumstances being much different than my own - and I felt that while reading this book.

The coming of age novel is the blend of Gifty’s current journey for answers in neuroscience with scenes/memories from her childhood as a second-generation immigrant in the religious South. I appreciated the themes of the world as a gray area (the false dichotomy of science vs. religion), navigating identity as an immigrant & racial minority, and the humanness of continually seeking answers to life’s biggest questions. (Ex. What’s the point of all this? how much control do we have over our suffering? What makes humans different? What is transcendence and holiness and love?)

I like how this book made me think and reflect on purpose, identity / codependency, self-worth, vices/addictions, loneliness, science, intellect, and faith.

2.5 stars but rounded up to 3 because I couldn’t put it down, it was engaging and entertaining even if predictable.
I didn’t like most of the characters but the predictable plot was comforting as a break from heavier books I’ve been reading lately.
I enjoyed the experience of reading this thriller but wouldn’t rate the book itself very highly. Would recommend as something that helps you get back into the flow of reading after a lull

In my rating, I feel I was for better or worse influenced by Michael who rates this as one of his favorite books ever. I was frustrated that I didn’t like this as much as him (or maybe I had too high expectations).

I enjoyed the narrative and can see why it is so popular, I just wish there was more to it (in depth and breadth). The story is heartbreaking and eye-opening in that it is a firsthand account of one man’s experience in a concentration camp. The story was more observational and removed than I’d prefer but I think that is due to Frankl being a psychologist & the book being a thesis of sorts (not just a memoir).

Overall I appreciated the theme of recognizing how mindset plays a part in adapting to circumstances out of our control. I was amazed by the descriptions of the camp and how Frankl’s mindset and actions helped him endure. Again, I wish I liked this more than I did! Just wish there was more nuance in recognizing that mindset is not end-all be-all, especially if people have existing predispositions to mental illness and how that plays a part in suffering/trauma.

Note: I didn’t read the second part about logotherapy - I was not interested in that level of detail.

I enjoyed listening to this audiobook as something mindless and lighthearted. I think it could’ve been shorter, but I’m not at all complaining about having more Selina and Gary content since I loved VEEP so much.

I feel odd even rating/reviewing this as an autobiography because it is fictional, but the parts about her as Vice President were awesome, and I didn’t enjoy the stories of her childhood or family history. (Gave it a 2 to remain consistent with my other ratings, even though I enjoyed the read).

The humor didn’t land as it does in the show, but Julia Louis Dreyfus is amazing as always. I appreciate that the writers kept up the storylines as a continuation from the show and made similar statements like the parody of token feminism, the “real” side of politics, etc.

I would describe this book as “lovely.”
It starts a bit slow but as soon as the you realize how the characters are connected, I couldn’t put the novel down.

The writing is descriptive and meaningful, with intentionality in the symbolism (light, senses) and themes (power, destiny, interconnectedness, humanity).

I loved Madame Manec, Etienne, and Marie-Laure the most. The writing for Marie-Laure was the best because Doerr emphasized her other senses in the descriptions, which set the scene for the plot and Marie-Laure as a character.

It is a coming-of-age novel for both Marie-Laurie and Werner. I like how it made me think about what we do with the life we are given and what is/isn’t within our control and what we see vs. don’t see. I liked the little additions of the legend/story of the jewel and the mystique that added to the interconnectedness/butterfly effect of the plot. Also enjoyed that the chapters jumped from character to character at different points in time.

I decently enjoyed this read - finished it in less than a day and listened via audiobook. 3 stars because it was entertaining and comfortable to listen to. I liked that it was a quick read, and I liked the switching point of views each chapter.
The frustrating part of the book was it is definitely a novel where the characters could solve a lot of dysfunction and pining if they would communicate their feelings more, go to therapy, and be more vulnerable. I forgive this aspect in the beginning since they were young, but by the end of the novel I was frustrated with the premise because the back and forth of their relationship felt unhealthy.
I’d recommend this book but with the caveat that there is not a lot of plot or even character growth.

I did like how the author addressed class differences