randelina's Reviews (571)

I appreciated the time travel through history as experienced by Pope Francis. It was interesting to read the major events of World and Argentine history through the eyes of a person that lived it. To know how he felt, to learn what he remembers, to understand what mattered most to him. It is clear that faith played a huge part in his life growing up. So much so that when he felt called to the church he made it his life. I can see the dedication, care, and passion of faith that has been central to Pope Francis throughout his Life.

The writing left something to be desired for me. I do not know if that is because I read the English translation or because it was written in a manor that would be easy to read, often simple words were used as well as repeated phrases. Additionally, there were several times that the main story had to be returned to due to Pope Francis making a religious point that was not necessarily part of the story he was telling.

Overall, I am glad to have read this book and look forward to utilizing it as a discussion and teaching opportunity with my children as they grow up.

The title is a misnomer. 'Omissions, Gossip and Weddings' would be more accurate. All omissions were made out of love. All gossip was outlandish, obnoxious, and often offensive. Each wedding was insanely opulent. Many of the characters were very likeable and I found myself rooting for them. Others I disliked very much and kept hoping they would get what was coming to them. I am 98% happy with how all the loose ends were tied and bowed.

The writing was fabulous. The story is told in a unique way that was very engaging, had me invested, and caused me to try to figure out the mysteries before the answers were revealed.

I enjoyed this novel and how it was written so much that I will likely read other books by Kevin Kwan.

Brac Universe #8

Short shifter read.

Oh George and Tank. They get there but it always seems to be a fight. Who's going to take the lead. Does that make the other a "girl"? Part of that is the dynamic the two have but it's not as loving as previous couples. Not one of my favorites.

The best part is George's interaction with the mates. They have fun bringing George into the "den" as they call the pack house.

Merged review:

Brac Universe #8

Short shifter read.

Oh George and Tank. They get there but it always seems to be a fight. Who's going to take the lead. Does that make the other a "girl"? Part of that is the dynamic the two have but it's not as loving as previous couples. Not one of my favorites.

The best part is George's interaction with the mates. They have fun bringing George into the "den" as they call the pack house.

The King Midas tale continues. Though it is less about Midas and more about Auren. I love that she is finding her strength! I quite enjoyed the continued intrigue from book one and attempting to untangle the many secrets hiding throughout the story. Considering how this book finished the next should be promising.

Wow! What an amazingly beautiful, painful, joyous, heart wrenching, brutally honest story of life. I can not imagine living through what Hilton did. She is a better person than I because I know I wouldn't have been able to forgive, love, or trust my family ever again. I am so happy for her knowing that she has worked hard for her life and now has the babies, family, intimacy, closeness, and love that she's yearned for.

I will absolutely be reading this book with my daughter when she is old enough. I am going to use the life lessons in it to teach and warn her of the dangers in life. Also to show her what can happen if you work hard and follow your dreams with determination and focus.

I was ambivalent about Paris Hilton prior to reading. At this point I have the deepest respect for her as a women, mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, person, human being. I am so incredibly impressed by her and how strong she is.

I enjoyed this book. It is separated into three parts that make me think it was originally individual novellas that have been combined. That made for interesting reading as the beginning of parts two and three recapped what had happened previously.

The characters were great. I loved the range of personalities that they were, it made the tale and them seem much more real. There was quiet a bit of sex throughout but not at the expense of the story. The overall arch was well thought out, flowed nicely, and reached it's inevitable climax at a good pace.

I would have liked to see more after the end. That is what happens when I fall for characters though, I get wrapped up in them and want to see their happy afters, their day to days, ask the things that make them relatable. Me craving more of that indicates a job well done in my opinion.

If there are more books in this world or about these characters I will definitely read them.