miromie's Reviews (148)

Overall, I enjoyed the story. It was a comic-book-style novel with a gritty underbelly, morally grey characters, and a touch of fantasy. It was a good introduction into what fantasy can be, as I’m not hugely interested in fantasy myself. The fantasy element wasn’t too overwhelming, but instead fairly believable, which I liked.    

I liked the shifting timelines. It brought an element of surprise to the story, while also telling the story in an interesting, dynamic way. I liked that it was non-linear and V.E. Schwab creates these shifting timelines masterfully, as they’re not confusing, but conclude the story in a neat, concise fashion. 

I wish I could say I enjoyed these characters more. I really could not connect with a single one in a way that was meaningful. While they were well-written characters, I did not find myself feeling particularly close to one or the other, which is a rare occurrence for me. I truly did not care at the end who lived or died. 

There is so much I enjoyed about this novel. What I most enjoyed, however, is the writing style. It is told through the unreliable narrator Klara, and readers see the story in a childlike, almost clinical tone. This narrative allows the story to develop through the characters, rather than being intensely  plot-driven, which I really appreciated. Klara is detached without being cold, artificial without being insincere, and that demonstrates the true talent of Ishiguro. He is able to create characters that are dynamic without revealing too much, though Klara is particularly observant.

Along with the narrative voice, I truly enjoyed the setting. Klara’s story takes place in the near future and that put everything into perspective. I was able to see the characters, plot, themes, and world-building in a distinct and highly believable manner. I think that the science-fiction element of this story is just enough; it is not overwhelming, and that made the story really enjoyable for me.

Truly, there isn’t a single thing I disliked about Ishiguro’s novel. It is beautifully told, ends succinctly and fairly, and has extremely well-done characters, all of which I need and want in a novel. I think I will read this novel over and over again in the years to come. 

I remember this being about the end of times, but I didn't think Millet handled this theme with much dignity or grace or interest at all really. It was mostly boring and dull. 

I had to read this for school and all I remember is that it's about a guy just walking around his city and thinking. 

What I liked most about this book was the language. Kimmerer has a true gift for writing beautiful prose, poetic in nature. It is flowery, yes, but I think that added to the whole point of Kimmerer’s message. It coupled well with her ideas throughout the book. The language seemed a part of the nature Kimmerer was describing itself. 

I also liked how much practical knowledge was available throughout the book. I learned much about nature, plants, and Indigenous people and their traditions, ideas, and practices. I found all the information Kimmerer presented to be very valuable in learning how to heal what Western culture has carelessly destroyed. The earth is beautiful and forgiving, but we, as a people, need to ask for forgiveness and heal what has been lost, and Kimmerer gives practical ways on how we can actually do that through science and Indigenous practices.  

There isn’t a single thing I disliked about Kimmerer’s nonfiction, informational book. It is beautifully written, provides solid information, and I will be picking up more of Kimmerer’s work.

I just love this book, mostly because it is the start of an awesome series that I will love until I die. It's great to get a good foundation and watch it grow from there.

I enjoyed Munro's short story collection focusing on women and their lives. I found some stories to be a bit slow, a bit dragging, but overall I liked it. 

This one is my favorite book of the series by far. It's so great to see the world and characters take a bit more shape. 

I enjoyed Libertie’s character. She is independent and extremely brave to embark upon the life she does when she has so many expectations weighing on her. Greenidge crafted a character that was likable--I was rooting for Libertie the entire time--while still being hasty and capable of making mistakes, like all humans are. Libertie has a humanness about her that really propels the novel forward. 

I also enjoyed the letters that are strategically placed throughout the novel. Readers learn more about the characters and their relationships through the letters than the dialogue and interactions themselves. I thought Greenidge did a brilliant job with these letters, their placement and their content. 

The only aspect of Greenidge’s newest novel that I disliked was the fact that some storylines felt like loosends that needed to be tied up. I felt I never truly got their conclusion, even if Greenidge tried her best to do so. 

I love this one! It's super fun to get to know the characters more and see more of the world that Maas had created. It's not as great as the second one, though.