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tracithomas's Reviews (1.05k)
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Overall I really liked this book. It is a mystery with a lot going on and a literary sensibility. The way Moore weaves timelines and POVs is so so so good. It really works for this book and she is totally in control. Thankfully, because if this was done wrong it could've been really bad. I couldn't predict the end but also didn't feel like it came too far out of left field (I hate that). The book is very much white people problems, and I loved that escape. This book isn't trying to do more than it should/can. It knows what it is and I appreciate that. That being said, it is a really well written and engaging book with great plot and character development. My biggest complaint was the book went on too long, at almost 500 pages I would find myself totally invested and then zoning out in certain parts. But overall this is a big yes from me.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was underwhelmed with this book. The idea was there but I found the pacing was so off I couldn't get into the book at all. At half the length the plot would've worked for me. This book was trying to hit on some questions of autonomy and family, but because of the pacing and lack of character development, I never felt like it got there. There were a lot of cliff hangers to try and make the reader care, but none of them paid off because the character's motivations made little sense. I needed more in the form of details and less in the form of vibes.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I had never read this and understand why it is beloved. I really enjoyed the book a lot. I think it is inventive and the pacing is excellent. I appreciated the world building and roll out of all that was going on in Gilead. The ending was so annoying that it went from being a top tier read to a solid book. I just couldn't get down with the way Atwood had to show her work for the last 10 pages. It was no needed and took away from what she had accomplished with the first 300 pages.
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
I was surprised by how strong the writing and structure of this book was. I liked that it was memoir and famous scams plus some personal scams Laci has been involved with. It feels additive to the podcast and not just a rehashing of the show.
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I found the writing in this book to be extremely strong, though I didn't have a very resonant emotional experience with this book. It was an interesting and curious story that I am glad I read, but I am not sure it will stick with me.
informative
medium-paced
A super well written and researched history book about sports history I knew nothing about. Waters writes a very clear and compelling narrative about a complicated topic and includes so many facets. If you like sports, Nazi history, queer history, or stories for "hidden" figures this books does all of that and more.
dark
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Overall I really liked this especially for a first novel. I liked the writing and how it shifted from interior and exterior. I liked how the book is organized. I liked the ideas around girlhood, competition, and also the male gaze. My biggest issue with the book is that it started so strong but not a lot happens and so the uniqueness of the style/structure wears off and there isn't an emotional payoff for the reader, I felt like I wanted to be left with more.
informative
fast-paced
I enjoyed this no frills guide to making kids lunches. It’s a cookbook but also not one bc there aren’t recipes just combos and philosophy behind kids lunches.
dark
emotional
tense
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
I really liked this book. It captured me from the start and I was invested in the characters. I think this is a very strong "COVID novel" and it explores a lot of ideas around who we become in moments of crisis. I think there were a few too many perspectivs in the book overall, but think Porter pulled off a really solid book.
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
Incredible research and detail. A real stunner as far as telling a story that is lesser known in US history. Some of the writing verged on corny in places. I enjoyed over all the scope and detail and was impressed by all the connections that author found and how she explained so much of US history through the Crafts.