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beckychristina's reviews
550 reviews
Trust by Hernán Díaz
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I was hooked by how this novel unfolds, starting with a novel within a novel, and ending with foggy revelations. Each section calls the prior section(s) into question. It’s an accessible Pulitzer Prize winner that lives up to the hype.
I’d like to read this again and look for certain similarities between sections to see if there are any nods to the truth. As soon as I finished it, I was desperate to discuss it with another reader, I love closing a book to that thought.
It’s a great book for people who take pleasure in the structure of a novel.
I’d like to read this again and look for certain similarities between sections to see if there are any nods to the truth. As soon as I finished it, I was desperate to discuss it with another reader, I love closing a book to that thought.
It’s a great book for people who take pleasure in the structure of a novel.
The Long Game by Elena Armas
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Exiled by her boss and father after a PR disaster, Adalyn finds herself managing a girl’s soccer team that doesn’t quite match up to her MLS standards. She doesn’t expect to find retired pro Cameron Caldani coaching and ready to teach her and the team how to play the long game.
This book was long. I’m all for a slow burn, but this felt like a match struggling to strike. The first two-thirds of this book dragged, the delightful side characters (especially Maria and her goats) doing the heavy lifting. The book does pick up eventually, and it’s enjoyable come the end, but I think some plot points could’ve come into play earlier instead of everything happening right at the end.
Despite that, I am looking forward to the follow up book after enjoying the preview of those two characters here. If you want to pick up a book by this author ‘The Spanish Love Deception’ is the one to try.
This book was long. I’m all for a slow burn, but this felt like a match struggling to strike. The first two-thirds of this book dragged, the delightful side characters (especially Maria and her goats) doing the heavy lifting. The book does pick up eventually, and it’s enjoyable come the end, but I think some plot points could’ve come into play earlier instead of everything happening right at the end.
Despite that, I am looking forward to the follow up book after enjoying the preview of those two characters here. If you want to pick up a book by this author ‘The Spanish Love Deception’ is the one to try.
Toxic: The Story of Nine Famous Women in the Tabloid 2000s by Sarah Ditum
informative
reflective
fast-paced
2.5
A critical reflection on the toxic tabloid and internet coverage of nine female noughties celebs.
This book read a little like an early dissertation draft to me, but it was generally written in a very accessible manner and able to surmise a cultural moment.
It’s perhaps unfair to expect Ditum to add anything new to this conversation as it’s been written on many times in recent years. I think some of the attempts to draw her own new connections and conclusions are perhaps a little tenuous.
It is, however, an interesting read, and good to reframe some pop culture memories with modern context, but I suspect there are better books on the same topic. I’m interested in recommendations if anyone has some in mind!
This book read a little like an early dissertation draft to me, but it was generally written in a very accessible manner and able to surmise a cultural moment.
It’s perhaps unfair to expect Ditum to add anything new to this conversation as it’s been written on many times in recent years. I think some of the attempts to draw her own new connections and conclusions are perhaps a little tenuous.
It is, however, an interesting read, and good to reframe some pop culture memories with modern context, but I suspect there are better books on the same topic. I’m interested in recommendations if anyone has some in mind!
Funny Story by Emily Henry
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
It really is a funny story. Miles and Daphne become roommates after her fiancé leaves her for Mile’s girlfriend. In their drunken wallowing after receiving a wedding invitation, they hatch a plan, wouldn’t it be better if their ex’s were jealous rather than smug and pitying?
I always love Emily Henry’s books, though I was a little wary after how not happy ‘Happy Place’ had me feeling (it was brilliant but made my heart ache), but ‘Funny Story’ does what it says on the tin.
I think what Henry does best, is write romances that balance realistic character with swoon-worthy moments, and this book was no exception. It was really satisfying to watch all the relationships develop in this book, and I genuinely cared about the characters. The strong sense of place Henry creates makes Michigan feel like a main character -the tourism department ought to be paying her commission.
The ending was perfect, you hoped it was coming from the book’s opening set-up, but it was so satisfying to read those last lines.
If you’re looking for a good summer romance book, this is one for your TBR.
I always love Emily Henry’s books, though I was a little wary after how not happy ‘Happy Place’ had me feeling (it was brilliant but made my heart ache), but ‘Funny Story’ does what it says on the tin.
I think what Henry does best, is write romances that balance realistic character with swoon-worthy moments, and this book was no exception. It was really satisfying to watch all the relationships develop in this book, and I genuinely cared about the characters. The strong sense of place Henry creates makes Michigan feel like a main character -the tourism department ought to be paying her commission.
The ending was perfect, you hoped it was coming from the book’s opening set-up, but it was so satisfying to read those last lines.
If you’re looking for a good summer romance book, this is one for your TBR.
The Island of Doctor Moreau by H.G. Wells
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The sole survivor of a shipwreck finds himself stranded on a mysterious island populated by strange creatures, a mysterious doctor and his assistant.
I remembered liking the book during university, but enjoyed it all the more so for having the time to return to it leisurely. I always enjoy the adventure tale quality early sci-fi holds, and this book combines that with mystery in a way that really suits my tastes.
This books is a great and easy introduction to H.G. Wells’ work. It’s short, but has a depth to it, and it’s always fun to read the source of anything much referenced.
I remembered liking the book during university, but enjoyed it all the more so for having the time to return to it leisurely. I always enjoy the adventure tale quality early sci-fi holds, and this book combines that with mystery in a way that really suits my tastes.
This books is a great and easy introduction to H.G. Wells’ work. It’s short, but has a depth to it, and it’s always fun to read the source of anything much referenced.
The Celebrants by Steven Rowley
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Inspired by the unexpected death of their friend in college, five friends come together during times of crisis to host living funerals for one another. Over the decades, they make sure their friends know how they feel about them, with nothing left unsaid.
I hesitated to pick this book up as, like The Guncle, the plot sounded a little too depressing for my tastes of late, but after many recommendations, I stopped resisting. Like The Guncle, I loved it. Rowley has a way of writing deeply emotional tales, that touch death and darkness with such hope and warmth, it’s hard to feel the sorrow through the joy. This book served as a good reminder of the value of good friendships.
I hesitated to pick this book up as, like The Guncle, the plot sounded a little too depressing for my tastes of late, but after many recommendations, I stopped resisting. Like The Guncle, I loved it. Rowley has a way of writing deeply emotional tales, that touch death and darkness with such hope and warmth, it’s hard to feel the sorrow through the joy. This book served as a good reminder of the value of good friendships.
Hello Stranger by Katherine Center
emotional
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Katherine Center understands romance novels better than many authors of the same genre. That’s not to say she’s the best in the genre, but I do feel like her books come with a certain guarantee of satisfaction, and this book is a good example of that.
Sadie is a portrait artist, following in her mother’s footsteps, about to get her big break, when tragedy strikes. She finds herself having to adjust to life with an inability to see or recognise faces… it’s probably temporary, but what it’s not? Sadie has to attempt to navigate life, work, and love with an inability to trust what she sees.
The premise of this book sounds a little silly if, like me, you didn’t realise face blindness was a very real and debilitating way to live. It adds a very interesting dynamic to the typical romance novel, and it worked so much better than I could have expected. I didn’t have high expectations for this plot, but I found I loved it. Whilst pleasantly predictable, the anticipation slowly building through the book as you follow Sadie to the climax was wonderful. I wasn’t a huge fan of the subplot with Sadie’s family, particularly with her step-sister, it didn’t add anything to the story for me and felt a little much, but it might add a richness for someone who enjoys dysfunctional family stories.
This is a great comfort read for anyone looking for a classic romance with a twist.
Sadie is a portrait artist, following in her mother’s footsteps, about to get her big break, when tragedy strikes. She finds herself having to adjust to life with an inability to see or recognise faces… it’s probably temporary, but what it’s not? Sadie has to attempt to navigate life, work, and love with an inability to trust what she sees.
The premise of this book sounds a little silly if, like me, you didn’t realise face blindness was a very real and debilitating way to live. It adds a very interesting dynamic to the typical romance novel, and it worked so much better than I could have expected. I didn’t have high expectations for this plot, but I found I loved it. Whilst pleasantly predictable, the anticipation slowly building through the book as you follow Sadie to the climax was wonderful. I wasn’t a huge fan of the subplot with Sadie’s family, particularly with her step-sister, it didn’t add anything to the story for me and felt a little much, but it might add a richness for someone who enjoys dysfunctional family stories.
This is a great comfort read for anyone looking for a classic romance with a twist.
Passing by Nella Larsen
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
A mini masterpiece!
I don’t read many novella’s, and I forget how rich they can be.
I gave this a quick read at university but didn’t have the time to enjoy it. I’m really glad I came back to it, I didn’t appreciate how brilliant it is.
If you’re looking for a short read, this one is very satisfying, and I know I’ll be thinking about the ending whenever this book comes to mind.
I don’t read many novella’s, and I forget how rich they can be.
I gave this a quick read at university but didn’t have the time to enjoy it. I’m really glad I came back to it, I didn’t appreciate how brilliant it is.
If you’re looking for a short read, this one is very satisfying, and I know I’ll be thinking about the ending whenever this book comes to mind.
The Rule Book by Sarah Adams
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
A nice easy and light read. The perfect read for a sleepless night -I might’ve gotten through it in one night…
It was nice to get an update on the characters from the previous book.
Really cheesy and full of all the romance tropes, but really enjoyable and overall, just warm. Sarah Adam’s name is synonymous with HEA for me.
It was nice to get an update on the characters from the previous book.
Really cheesy and full of all the romance tropes, but really enjoyable and overall, just warm. Sarah Adam’s name is synonymous with HEA for me.
Life's Too Short by Abby Jimenez
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
This book was mostly just okay for me. The characters didn’t grab me, and whilst the plot was interesting, it felt underdeveloped.
The later Part of Your World Series is far better than this trio, and I don’t think it was worth going back to. Jimenez’s writing has just improved so much since this first series.
If you’re thinking of picking up a Jimenez novel, Just for the Summer is the one to read.
The later Part of Your World Series is far better than this trio, and I don’t think it was worth going back to. Jimenez’s writing has just improved so much since this first series.
If you’re thinking of picking up a Jimenez novel, Just for the Summer is the one to read.