Goodness… why was this book picked by Resee’s Book Club?
Some authors are really lucky.
This book started“The Unwedding”, by Ally Condie
2.5 stars ⭐️⭐️✨
Goodness… why was this book picked by Resee’s Book Club?
Some authors are really lucky.
This book started well. Good premises and good setting, but the dialogues are not good, never mind the development of the story.
Some phrases are silly (“…was holding in his hand was a gun, and it had been pointing at …, and now … it pointed at …, and they were all going to die. That’s what happened when someone had a gun pointed at people.”).
And the main character is extremely weak (as she’s been married for 20 years, I assumed she is about 39 years old, but sounded like someone younger than 22).
There isn’t much of characters’ development and they are all flat and uninteresting. There was absolutely nothing extraordinary (or even bold!) here.
The conclusion was underwhelming, if not silly.
And someone dared to compare it to Dame Christie? Sacrilege! As I’m a big fan of Agatha Chris, it only created a huge expectation for me.
They call it a perfect summer read.
Well, for sure this one was not for me.
You must be asking why I persisted, and the answer is that I was curious about the ending.
ebook (Kobo): 297 pages (default), 92k words, 61 chapters (too many for a short book, in my opinion)....more
I really enjoyed this slow family drama, even though sometimes its pace gave me the imp“The Most Fun We Ever Had”, by Claire Lombardo
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed this slow family drama, even though sometimes its pace gave me the impression that this book was too long. But the story felt very realistic and believable. And it’s well written. The dynamic between the characters was well executed. This is a character driven story, so don’t expect thrillers or fast actions. The timeline structure was linear, starting in 1975 and ending in 2017, (but some characters have moments of flashbacks) and I believe that some of the expressions were fitting for period. In my opinion this was a good debut. I can’t believe I forgot that I purchased a copy back in 2019, but as I always say, it’s never too late. I don’t know what triggered me to pick up this book this time, but I’m glad I did. Anyways… the reason I’m not giving it 5 stars is because I did not connect emotionally with the characters.
e-book (Kobo): 544 pages (default), 184k words (divided into 4 parts and 34 chapters or 36 if including the opening titled “Offspring” and the last one titled “The Midst of Life”)
Paperback (Knopf Doubleday): 640 pages
audiobook narrated by Emily Rankin: 20.6 hours (normal speed)...more
This is the author’s first adult book, so it is considered a debut, right? Although not flawless, this was a delightful surprise. I was hooked from the This is the author’s first adult book, so it is considered a debut, right? Although not flawless, this was a delightful surprise. I was hooked from the beginning, mostly because it did trigger my curiosity. I thought that the pace was perfect throughout the book, and I enjoyed the timeline structure. It was quite clever. I just wished for more POV (alias does not count), but I was entertained. A few things were farfetched but it did not diminish the story and my experience. Perhaps my rating was highly influenced by the audiobook, but I doubt.
I can easily see this book being adapted to a tv series, probably produced by Reese Witherspoon.
I read the ebook while simultaneously listening to the terrific audiobook).
PS. Out of curiosity I made the mistake of reading the lower ratings. Some people just can’t avoid spoilers.
e-book (Kobo): 315 pages (default), 97k words
audiobook narrated by Saskia Maarleveld: 9.3 hours (normal speed)...more
I don’t think that I was in the right mood for this book. At this moment I won’t rate it, but I can say that from the opening I did not feel any connecI don’t think that I was in the right mood for this book. At this moment I won’t rate it, but I can say that from the opening I did not feel any connection and that I was bored the whole time. But I will definitely give it another try next year. As I did quit at 38%, I don’t think that is fair to give this book a proper rating or review.
Edited on January 24, 2024 to correct grammar....more
This is the latest pick for Reese’s Book Club. I was able to borrow the ebook as well as the audiobook, which I listened while readin3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
This is the latest pick for Reese’s Book Club. I was able to borrow the ebook as well as the audiobook, which I listened while reading. I thought that the audiobook was excellent. As for the book, I did want to love it, and because I see this book as a tribute to the author’s mother, I will keep simple. But I do have to praise the dynamic between the characters, as it was really well done. And I kind of love reading about dysfunctional family. Although we are presented with a character dealing with cancer, the sense of humour was well dosed. I thought that the main character was strong and intelligent.
I hope that she will keep writing, as I see a great potential.
Ebook (Kobo): 338 pages (default), 104k words
Audiobook narrated by Jane Oppenheimer: 12.6 hours (normal speed)
Hardcover (William Morrow): 368 pages (56 chapters plus acknowledgment and notes about the author)...more
Superb storytelling! I was hooked from the beginning and my heart was almost in my mouth. There are some upsetting dialogues and disturbing violence (I Superb storytelling! I was hooked from the beginning and my heart was almost in my mouth. There are some upsetting dialogues and disturbing violence (I thought that the violence was a bit too much - less is sometimes better). The writing is simple, but I really enjoy it, especially the structure of the book and the dual perspective. I would have loved a third one. Meena’s perspective was very good, heart breaking and thought provoking. This book could have been very extensive if the author had gone into details of cultural traditions, caste and religion, but she concentrated only around two characters, both born in India but one had left the country with her family to leave in the USA when she was 14 years old. As this is a work of fiction, I was not worry about accuracy, also I’m not an expert on that country’s history, culture, caste, religion or traditions. What matters to me is that I was completely enthralled. But I must confess that I was not very happy with the conclusion. I do recommend the audiobook narrated by Sneha Mathan, who did an amazing job and brought the characters to full life.
Well if this is supposed to be a satire, then it failed miserably to make me laugh. Anyways, perhaps if this book was written before 2009 the stereotypWell if this is supposed to be a satire, then it failed miserably to make me laugh. Anyways, perhaps if this book was written before 2009 the stereotypes would have been more acceptable and considered funny, but nowadays, I don’t think so. I didn’t find the story that interesting or original, and the writing did not impress me. As a matter of fact, I had to switch to the audiobook because I couldn’t stand any longer the lack of quotation marks. As for the two main characters, both were too shallow and hard to sympathize with. The book is divided into two POV. The second starts at 59%. I should have stopped at 30%, when I realized that I’m not the right target for this book. But I read the whole thing, therefore I can be honest. At least it is a very small book. Some authors are very lucky.
Great premises but the development of the storyline was not that well executed. The novel is told through different timelines and perspectives—mainly KGreat premises but the development of the storyline was not that well executed. The novel is told through different timelines and perspectives—mainly Kitty in the past and Elise in the present. Kitty’s chapters were better and by far more interesting, although not long enough, and Elises’s chapters felt shallow, fast written and no depth at all. As if two different authors had written each part. I wished that Sara had her own POV, as I thought that she was a strong character. The timeline felt confusing sometimes, and after a while I stopped caring about the characters and the book. But the dialogues became stronger from chapter 38 and the road to the conclusion was interesting. There was nothing new or remarkable about this book, but I can easily see it being adapted for the screen as a TV series.
ebook (Kobo): 372 pages (default), 115k words
Audiobook Narrated by Ariel Blake, Kineta Kunutu and Lynnette Nicholas: 13.4 hours (normal speed)
The latest pick by Reese’s Book Club is an easy and fun read. We follow a unique character who is stuck in a time loop. I found the story quit3.5 stars.
The latest pick by Reese’s Book Club is an easy and fun read. We follow a unique character who is stuck in a time loop. I found the story quite fascinating and entertaining. The situations are quite funny and I loved the dialogues. The writing is very good. The only problem is that, with the ability to time travel (although limited to 4 months back - I think) trying to fix the same problems, the story becomes repetitive. There are no explanations as to how she gained this ability, but that did not bother me. I had some good laugh. Although this kind of concept has been done before (a single example: Groundhog Day), the main character shines. But I wished that the character was not so obsessed in saving a job that she hated or a relationship that wasn’t older than 4 months. There is a reveal at the end that should have been a surprise. Unfortunately lots of reviewers spoiled that one.
I do recommend the audiobook narrated by Kristin Atherton, who did a fabulous job (but sounding older than 31 years, the protagonist’s age.
Hardcover (Mira): 368 pages
e-book (Kobo): 326 pages (default), 101k words
Audiobook narrated by Kristin Atherton: 13.3 hours...more
**spoiler alert** If you loved Yellow Wife, then please, lower your expectations. This is not a bad book. It’s just that it was not for me. It’s more l**spoiler alert** If you loved Yellow Wife, then please, lower your expectations. This is not a bad book. It’s just that it was not for me. It’s more like a romance, a genre that I don’t read. The writing is really good and the author is a good storyteller, but my problem is that I found a lack of originality. There was nothing new in this romance/drama around race and interracial relationships. Also, it did not feel like a historical fiction. The House of Eve enter the story in the last 25% of the book (if not later). I think that this book will please young readers, especially girls. I can say that it is far from boring and that there are some good parts. It definitely started well, but at the end I thought that it was predictable. Regardless, you shouldn’t avoid this book based on my opinion.
Why did I pick this book? It’s Reese’s pick, so I was curious. And to be honest, I have no energy to discuss it. But I will say that it was far from thrWhy did I pick this book? It’s Reese’s pick, so I was curious. And to be honest, I have no energy to discuss it. But I will say that it was far from thrilling, very repetitive and confusing. The conclusion was ingenious but unfortunately the poor execution ruined it. This one was definitely not for me.
PS: the only update is that I realized that I forgot to rate this book, when I finished on February 9, 2023....more
This is Reese’s Book Club choice for December 2022.
I really expected to love this book, especially after seeing so many brilliant reviews by my Goodre This is Reese’s Book Club choice for December 2022.
I really expected to love this book, especially after seeing so many brilliant reviews by my Goodreads fellas.
The writing is, no doubt about it, formidable. I loved the concept and its structure and the author’s creativity to take us back to 1550. It’s a good work of fiction based on the real (short) life of Lucrezia de Medici. But, good writing or not, the development of the story was very slow and it did not engage me m, or made me feel connected with the main character. And that’s what I wanted the most. I only cared about the caged animals. The first 15% of the book was so good and so promising, but, at the end, it missed the mark for me, and I was bored most of the time. But, as said, there are plenty of passionate 5 stars reviews, so do not feel discouraged by my opinion. I even was RUI (only closed to end) and it did not work.
RUI = reading under influence
Hardcover: 355 pages Ebook: 456 pages (default), 124k words Reading time: 9 to 10 hours (slow reading)
Audiobook narrated by Genevieve Gaunt and Maggie O'Farrell (just her notes after the end of the book) 13.5 hours (normal speed) - good narration, but not remarkable (if you have listened to Julia Whelan, Jonathan Pryce or John Lee, you know what I’m talking about)....more
I loved her previous books, where all characters felt real and I was able to emotionally connect with them. This book, a dystopian story about3.5 stars
I loved her previous books, where all characters felt real and I was able to emotionally connect with them. This book, a dystopian story about a boy’s search for his mother, a freedom-loving poet who opposes America’s authoritarian regime, is very good, but this one is more about the writing, which is superb, but when it comes to storytelling it did fall short for me. It did not deliver all the emotions that I wanted/needed to feel, otherwise I would have given it 5 stars. I wanted more passion. I found the boy to be too passive in relation to his mother. The concept is great. The development of the story is very slow but gripping. The storyline is relevant and thought provoking and it includes several topics, such as racial oppression, family, sacrifices and love. The lack of quotations, for the first time, did not bother me. I could hardly notice it because the writing was that good (if that’s a negative thing for you, I suggest the audiobook narrated by the actress Lucy Liu, who did a good job, but I would have loved it if she had dramatized it a bit - I did play the audiobook as I read the book).
I was expecting to love this book.
I will not be surprised if this book becomes a tv series or a movie. ...more
Here we have another book picked by Reese Witherspoon’s book club. When I heard about it, I immediately ordered a copy from the public librar2.5 stars.
Here we have another book picked by Reese Witherspoon’s book club. When I heard about it, I immediately ordered a copy from the public library, without even reading the synopsis or the reviews. I was so excited that, when the book became available to me, I gave it my priority attention. As soon as I started reading I was immediately displeased with the writing style. It was not, in my opinion, gripping, never mind the excellent concept. Speaking honestly, I was completely bored and suddenly I was skimming, which is something that I am against. The development of the storyline was underwhelming and sometimes confusing. I really wanted to love this book, but it wasn’t for me. This was my first book by this author. It may take me a long time before I read something else by her. There are lots of 5 stars, so please, don’t mind me. My ratings are based on my own personal experience while reading a book and I will not lie about it....more
After reading the terrific “No Two Persons” I decided to read another book by this author, so I picked this one, which was 3.75 rounded up to 4 stars.
After reading the terrific “No Two Persons” I decided to read another book by this author, so I picked this one, which was also picked by Reese’s Book Club, in 2020. I do have mixed feelings about it, so I will try to be fair. The first 25% was extraordinary. I was enthralled by the writing and the storytelling and the description of the scents. It reminded of “Perfume”, by Patrick Suskind. It was magical! There was so much heart in it. Then things changed. It became a bit repetitive and boring, but filled with anger and bitterness. But later, things became interesting again, with some family drama. I found the interaction between mother and daughter completely off and unbelievable, but I learned to accept it. I just wished that that little girl had never left the island. And I wished that the writing was consistent. Regardless, I did find the concept very interesting and compelling....more
This is one of those books that I purchased because I loved the cover. Plus, it’s one of Reese’s Book Club. I really, really had huge expectations and This is one of those books that I purchased because I loved the cover. Plus, it’s one of Reese’s Book Club. I really, really had huge expectations and I really wanted to love this book, but, unfortunately, the writing style was not for me. The narrative did not work with me. After reading 20%, I stoped and read another book, and when I finished that book I decided to restart this one, which I almost quit at 15%, mostly because I was totally bored. I thought that perhaps I missed something during the first time I tried, after all most of my friends loved this book and they all thought that I would too. The real drama starts around 20%, and it’s really heartbreaking, so I was glad for something that triggered my interest. But at 41% I was again ready to quit. I even added the audiobook to listen at the same time as I read, but the narrator’s voice did not help (well, she did sound exactly like the teenager that the main character is). Then there is a romance that I didn’t think was necessary. The story picked up again around 77% and we see some twists happening. If at least there were multiple perspectives. For a YA there are lots of triggers: violence (including rape), suicide, drug use, death of loved ones…
Hardcover (Henry, Holt & Co.): 496 pages divided by 4 parts and a total of 58 chapters (the 58th is named “Closing”).
ebook (Kobo): 482 pages (default), 131k words.
Audiobook narrated by Isabella Star LaBlanc: 14.2 hours (normal speed)....more
The author is the lucky one. There is no doubt about it. Unfortunately this one did not work for me. I started with the ebook and after 25% switched to The author is the lucky one. There is no doubt about it. Unfortunately this one did not work for me. I started with the ebook and after 25% switched to the audiobook, and listened while cooking and cleaning for this Christmas evening. I also did not enjoy the audiobook. I know that I did not have to finish it, but I did. But if I had stayed seated I would have abandoned at 35%. This one meant absolutely nothing to me. Not even as a distraction. I won’t go over all the faults, but two: lack of depth and background. There is one positive part: it’s short! 252 pages and 68k words. An average reader needs no more than 6 hours. I’m sure that it’s going to be a hit with the younger public and I won’t be surprised if it is made into a TV series or movie. There are plenty of 4 stars, so please do not mind me....more
It started well, very strong. I was expecting a heartbreaking family drama. There was plenty of sexual abuse, including rape. It’s a dark and sad story.It started well, very strong. I was expecting a heartbreaking family drama. There was plenty of sexual abuse, including rape. It’s a dark and sad story. It shows what a lack of communication can do to someone’s life and those around. I did enjoy the writing and it’s structure, but unfortunately I was left emotionally untouched. I couldn’t connect or feel any sympathy for any of the characters. Plenty of readers found the timeline structure very confusing and complained about the ending, which they also thought was not clear: did she leave her husband or not? I think that the answer was a couple of pages back. Anyways, I guess you can choose on what to believe. Overall, this one fell short for me. ...more
3.5 stars. Alright... all that hype for something that is not that remarkable but good enough for a TV deal. But I have to confess that I did enjoy the 3.5 stars. Alright... all that hype for something that is not that remarkable but good enough for a TV deal. But I have to confess that I did enjoy the writing and the structure. I was, in fact, very engaged and I felt entertained. If that was the author’s main intention then, in my opinion, I think that she did a good job. Regardless, the development is not very thrilling but it is at the same time, far from boring. Now, about the storyline, it’s been done before. There is nothing new or outstanding. And the ending was too abrupt and unsatisfying (to me). I heard that this work is going to be adapted for the TV, having Julia Roberts as the protagonist (Julia Roberts and Reese Whiterspoon are two of the producers). Some authors (Ruth Ware, as a quick example) are so lucky....more
Here we have one of Reese’s Book Club pick. I purchased a copy at the time of its release, but only now I decided that I was readRounded up to 4 stars.
Here we have one of Reese’s Book Club pick. I purchased a copy at the time of its release, but only now I decided that I was ready to read it. And I went blind. I had no clue about the synopsis. This book is divided into 3 parts. In the first part we meet this horrible character, filled with envy, a real con artist, that was a bit of unbelievable. I can understand why so many readers dnf because her POV takes half of the book. I wanted to quit myself. Mostly because I thought that it was too predictable and repetitive, and I refused to believe that someone could be so gullible. But then we get to the second part of the book and a different POV. This was a very interesting part with twists and trues that I did not expect and helped me understand the behaviour of one of the characters in the first part. The writing is not bad, but some of the dialogues were juvenile. Also, I didn’t think that the storyline was that original or believable, but I was hooked on it, and I didn’t want to put it down. Yes, there are lots of absurdities, but I was highly entertained, hence my ratings. To give trigger warnings would spoil the story. I think that this would make a great TV series, like Big Little Lies.
I played the audiobook simultaneously. The narrators’ voices makes all the characters even more unlikeable.
Audiobook narrated by Meghan Wolf and Suzanne Elise Freeman: 12 hours
Loading...
