It was a very gripping and compulsive read, the kind I couldn't put down once I started it. In fact, I even downloaded the epub copy so I could keep rIt was a very gripping and compulsive read, the kind I couldn't put down once I started it. In fact, I even downloaded the epub copy so I could keep reading it anywhere I went when I got the chance. I remember it was quite the same experience when I read the author's other book, Pretty Baby.
Local Woman Missing (though I really wish it had a different title) is told in several perspectives, but each is distinct and very important to the plot of the story and to solving the mysteries in the end. Like Ms. Kubica’s earlier novel, this book also tackles important issues especially related to childbirth and motherhood, and also touches on the very hurtful reality of so many missing children.
“For the professor, there was no shame in admitting you didn’t have the answer, it was a necessary step toward the truth.”
“The mathematical order i“For the professor, there was no shame in admitting you didn’t have the answer, it was a necessary step toward the truth.”
“The mathematical order is beautiful precisely because it has no effect on the real world.”
Fascinating, riveting, and very touching. It makes me want to take an entrance exam because I feel like I will ace it after reading the book. I learned so much about numbers. Learning Math has never been this fun, entertaining, and enlightening. This is the first time in my life that I have fully come to appreciate the beauty of Math. How come none of my teachers made learning this good?
Kidding aside, this book has been one of the most satisfyingly inspiring novels I’ve read. Its simple and honest language is a comfort to read. The linear and yet layered and meaningful plot is although a lot of times heartrending, is also heartwarming and very touching. I did shed a few tears. It’s definitely a must read. ...more
I am at a point in my life where the title resonates so much with my experience. Life as of late has been one huge inconvenience. It's mainly why I deI am at a point in my life where the title resonates so much with my experience. Life as of late has been one huge inconvenience. It's mainly why I decided to finally read this and because I knew I could count on Kristan Higgins for a good laugh and for that matter, a good cry too.
Simple lines that are so hilarious, I was honestly laughing out loud which is a rarity for me these days.
"Idiotic phrases floated to me on the breeze- Let's unpack what you said and What do you think it means?"
"Are you finished soothing the souls of the self-obsessed?"
Genevieve cracked me up. I love the character exploration. Each character is significant. I love the different POVs. It was very refreshing. A family saga covering four generations featuring women as mothers and daughters and men as fathers and sons. The scope of presentation on this subject is amazing, relatable, and just so profound. It touches on the cycle of life and how our choices affect our whole lives....more
I have realized the reason I love Emily Henry's books is the rawness and honesty of her stories and her characters. This is her fourth adult rom-com aI have realized the reason I love Emily Henry's books is the rawness and honesty of her stories and her characters. This is her fourth adult rom-com and I am very glad that she hasn't failed my expectations so far. Harriet being trapped with Wyn, her ex fiance, in a vacation with their friends is quite the predicament considering they could not admit that they are no longer engaged.
The Then and Now point of view makes the story even more relatable. I could really understand Wyn's pain. Losing a father can certainly derail your life, your plans, your dreams and being in a committed relationship truly entails a lot of sacrifice. It may also mean one of you giving up their career or doing something else as a compromise just to be together.
I have to admit this is probably the cheesiest of all Emily Henry's books and I must say my least favorite and yet it still merits four stars. That's how good Ms. Henry is. ...more
An excerpt from the book says, "all books are predictable and unique," just like Every After Summer which to me is both familiar and new. I find it veAn excerpt from the book says, "all books are predictable and unique," just like Every After Summer which to me is both familiar and new. I find it very comforting.
The story is realistic and relatable. The chapters are short and very easy to get into and I don't just mean the writing. I also mean the connection of the characters with each other, the setting, the nostalgia, the time span shifting between the present and the summer the characters met as teens, the development of each character. It's a book that you would want to savor but at the same time, you could not read fast enough....more
What I really liked about the book is the setting, how it gave a glimpse about life of the people working in a yacht during charter season. 3.5 stars
What I really liked about the book is the setting, how it gave a glimpse about life of the people working in a yacht during charter season. I thought the banter is entertaining too. I just wish I connected more with Nina who narrated the story. I found her very selfish and felt Ollie was way too good for her. Perhaps if it were an alternating POV between her and Ollie, I would have liked it better. But as it is, it's still a good read, expect some angst as is usually present in most romance novels. This is the second book in a series but it's also a standalone. I actually read this without reading the first book....more
Usually, backstories in thrillers make them tedious or unnecessary but here, it is quite very gripping. The main "Bad things happened in the dark."
Usually, backstories in thrillers make them tedious or unnecessary but here, it is quite very gripping. The main character is half-Filipino which led me to read about the author who turns out is half-Filipino as well. I mean, wow! It totally made me look at Ms. Hillier at a different light as this would be the first time I have come across an international bestselling author of thrillers this good who is Half-Filipino. I enjoyed the part where the author cited the accents (funny or "pannee" in Filipino accent) and included some translations.
The nineties backstory and references are so relatable. The sensitive topics were handled smartly and respectfully. There are a lot of very funny parts too.
"Just before sleep found her, she imagined a little frog conductor standing up on his hind legs, his skinny arms directing the choir. How else would they all know to start and stop at the same time..
As a whole, it is a gripping literary thriller that is heart-rending, thrilling, entertaining and inspiring all at the same time....more
It started out really nice. British Girl (Hannah) and American Boy (Davey) get to know each other slowly but surely via phone calls because 4.5 stars
It started out really nice. British Girl (Hannah) and American Boy (Davey) get to know each other slowly but surely via phone calls because boy misdials her number. It's a great non meet-cute, right? They become really good friends and eventually more than that. Supposedly, they meet up and bring their relationship to the next level because this was meant to be a comforting, warm read but nooooo, it gets really sad.
Oddly, I appreciate the direction it took. I guess I'm starting to get a little tired or maybe overly familiar with the usual rom-coms I've been reading. I have even come to appreciate the book better when I reached the Author's Note where Ms. Cook reveals the character, Davey, is inspired by her own husband who went through the same ordeal.
It's kind of a mix of a little of Jojo Moyes' Me Before You, Josie Silver's One Day In December, and some books by Mhairi McFarlane. I do realize I'm referring to British authors but it's more than that. It's the plot, the characters, the humor, the emotional punch, the realism, and the love story that isn't what you'd expect, and yeah, okay, I must admit I'm a bit partial to British romantic novels.
I'm just a bit weirded out by the alternating POVs when it was Hannah telling the story from chapters 1 thru 11 and then Davey suddenly narrates chapter 13 and it starts alternating from then on. It's basically my only complaint and thus the minus .5. But overall, it's a recommendable thoughtful book about love, friendship, surviving, and living. I am also very grateful it's smut-free, of course there's romance but nothing offensive. Thank goodness....more
There's something really special about characters writing to each other in books. Yours Truly isn't difficult for me to like not only because I have lThere's something really special about characters writing to each other in books. Yours Truly isn't difficult for me to like not only because I have loved every single book Ms. Jimenez wrote, but also because I could closely relate with both characters. With Jacob because I, too, am an introvert. With Briana, because I, too, am not my best self these past few years. It helped that they narrated the story alternately making me feel like I really know both of them.
I love that both characters sound really genuine, the way they write to and talk with each other is so sweet, their conversations so tender, their love and thoughtfulness for each other solid throughout the novel even though there was a lot of dramatic irony going on.
This is probably one of the sweetest, most thoughtful romantic novels written by an American author I have read to date because as I have mentioned several times, I'm partial to British authors. ^^...more
There's romance, adventure, comedy, a little tragedy, history, mystery, travel, and treasure hunt. It's the total package. It's like watching a movie.There's romance, adventure, comedy, a little tragedy, history, mystery, travel, and treasure hunt. It's the total package. It's like watching a movie. The turn of events is completely unexpected. It was such a fun read! These writers keep surprising me with every new book they write. I always look forward to their next release. Thank you so much, authors. Their love for BTS is too cute too. If you guys ever come across this review, I recommend Stray Kids as well. [insert Korean heart emoji here]...more
The quid pro quo thing reminded me of Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson inspired by Agatha Christie which leads to my conclusion how brilliant AgThe quid pro quo thing reminded me of Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson inspired by Agatha Christie which leads to my conclusion how brilliant Agatha Christie is but this is irrelevant to the book or the review. Sorry. Although come to think of it, it is quite relevant because Ms. Tudor is also a female writer and is brilliant and funny too.
"I heard some idiot had got himself stabbed at Newton Green Services. White male, early forties."
"And you just presumed it was me?"
************
"We never think about death. And if we do, we view it as something distant and abstract. Just like we convince ourselves tragedy wil never befall us because we are somehow special and immune. The worst that can happen only ever happens to other people."
"Terrifying, the love you have for a child. From the minute you cradled that soft, sticky head in your arms, everything changed. You loved in a state of perpetual wonder and terror: wonder that you could have produced something so incredible, terror that at any moment they might be taken from you. Life had never seemed so fragile or so full of menace before. "
I know I haven't said a lot about the book but gleaning from the above excerpts alone would suggest that the writer is undoubtedly a great one. No offense to Mr. King but I think Ms. Tudor's book, The Other People, is so much better than his work, at least those that I've read. And the fact that the book rendered me almost speechless is an obvious indication that the book is amazing....more
I get a second book! A follow-up on Rachel and Ben! I get to see Rachel's friends again, Caroline, Mindy, and Ivor! I can’t stop with the exclamationsI get a second book! A follow-up on Rachel and Ben! I get to see Rachel's friends again, Caroline, Mindy, and Ivor! I can’t stop with the exclamations! I have grown very fond of them, even of Rhys if I'm being completely honest. I love that the author didn't end while things were good. I love that she continues the story of Rachel and Ben to show how they weather the storms of their relationship, and all that. This is more than I could ask for. Thank you sooooo very much, favorite author. The only thing I’m sad about is that I’m running out of McFarlane books to read....more
With Mhairi McFarlane, there's always a backstory, a juicy one at that and that's exactly one of the main reasons I read and love her books, not to meWith Mhairi McFarlane, there's always a backstory, a juicy one at that and that's exactly one of the main reasons I read and love her books, not to mention, the on point representation of what I believe is true Feminism. The backstories her efficient tool to propel magnificent character development.
There's also always a chapter that's going to be very intense, I couldn't help the rush of emotions for the characters. The author is one amazing writer who writes about familiar characters and storylines (in this case, "the one that got away") but in the most unique way. It's downright mind-boggling how she's able to do this....more
So funny and original. I love that there are like two independent plots in the story and together the plots make up this wonderful novel about sistersSo funny and original. I love that there are like two independent plots in the story and together the plots make up this wonderful novel about sisters and their genuine love for each other but also including their respective romantic stories.
The entire thing is also extremely thought provoking. I love how the author writes. Her grim humor is so relatable. Gram-gram on the online dating site...
"Is that Bill Parsons?" she said blinking at the picture. "I think it is. He died a few weeks ago. Next."
...and scouting potential guys during funerals, pretending she knows the late wife of the newly widowed grandpa. Just hilarious.
I was also laughing so hard when the sisters broke into Eric's house. I was practically laughing every other page. The honesty of the story is quite beautiful and brave too.
“Sometimes, a smile is the bravest act of all."
These are the kinds of books I am into these days, those that have so much heart and meaning and at the same time could make me laugh so much. Now I got Kristan Higgins next to Mhairi McFarlane in my list.
Anna is 32, gorgeous and successful in her career but inside is still her insecure high school self who got bullied because of her appearance. Hoping Anna is 32, gorgeous and successful in her career but inside is still her insecure high school self who got bullied because of her appearance. Hoping to get a sort of closure on that bruising chapter of her life, she decides to attend their high school reunion 16 years later. Alas, nobody recognizes her! So how does she get her closure? This is kind of how the story goes.
Looking at the blurb might make you think it's cliché but the funny thing is it's not. That's the magic of the author. Some might think it's anti-body positivity but I actually think otherwise. You'd have to read the book to get what I mean. I honestly love all books I have read by Ms. Farlane. Every story is unique and I always look forward to the best character developments but this book might yet be my number one favorite as to date. I enjoyed the hilarious feminism. So funny especially the bits about online dating in your thirties. Anna and Michelle's conversations keep me guffawing..
"Don't work too hard if you want to be happy. Men like fun much more than they like clever. Which means you'll be successful but lonely."
"It's time you accepted that they're the ones who have something to be ashamed of. Not you."
Solid friendships and sisterhood and so many other wonderful elements are thrown in the novel, what's not to love? I have mentioned in some reviews but I will say it again. The best books are those that can make you laugh and cry so much at the same time and Here's Looking At You is absolutely one of those. The denouement is so cathartic for Anna and redemptive for James. I was crying so hard at Chapter 62. Just wow! Victim and villain getting what they both deserve without further inflicting pain. I couldn't recommend this book enough and I think I have found a new best friend in the author. I hope she keeps writing amazing novels. ...more
The author managed to make spot-on impressions of characters of different generations. It's pretty hilarious. This might yet be my most favorite book The author managed to make spot-on impressions of characters of different generations. It's pretty hilarious. This might yet be my most favorite book written by the author. It's honestly laugh-out-loud funny. Ironically, it's also the funny passages that sometimes made me tear up. I guess because the second person point of view makes it more personal as if I, as a reader, too is involved in the story. I guess the older I get, the more I could relate with things that make people anxious.
"Our hearts are bars of soap that we keep losing hold of; the moment we relax, they drift off and fall in love and get broken, all in the wink of an eye. We're not in control. So we learn to pretend, all the time, about our jobs and our marriages and our children and everything else."
"But we weren't ready to become adults. Someone should have stopped us."
The difficulties of adulthood have been even more pronounced to me since I lost my dad because that was when I was slapped with the hard truth that I have to take care of myself from then on.
Funny how I thought I knew so much when I was younger, always had a say on everything. But as I continue to grow hopefully more maturely, I realize that I hardly know anything. Now that I have kids, the feeling of knowing nothing is even more palpable.
"If you had to try things out and read things and find out the truth about things, then you'd never have time to have an opinion about anything."
“And that’s the weirderst thing about being someone’s parent. Not just a bank robber parent, but any parent: that you are loved in spite of everything that you are. “
Obviously, I loved the book so much. I have learned so much as well. The book was like finding a confidant who shares the same experiences and sentiments and gives life's wisest pieces of advice. My father would have enjoyed this for sure.
"We weren't allowed to argue just for the sake of winning. Because, sooner or later, that would end up with one of us winning. And no marriage can survive that."
P.S. A giant props to the translator. It must have been hard to translate and keep the nuisances of the original language especially the humor but I feel like he did an amazing job....more
Mhairi McFarlane sure knows how to write original plots. There's some heaviness to the read but it gave substance and layer to the story. Sorry, I donMhairi McFarlane sure knows how to write original plots. There's some heaviness to the read but it gave substance and layer to the story. Sorry, I don't have the energy to write a review but yeah, I really liked this one, maybe loved it even. The little energy and time I got left, I managed to use to finish this book. It's that good....more
Calla, the main character, I didn't like her at all at the beginning. But it speaks highly of the book when I'm willing to keep reading it despite my Calla, the main character, I didn't like her at all at the beginning. But it speaks highly of the book when I'm willing to keep reading it despite my dislike of the main character, also the narrator. And whaddayaknow, she grows and develops as a character. She adapts and adjusts to life in Bangor (a fictional town patterned after Bethel, Alaska) and proves herself to be more than just a high maintenance, privileged, pampered girl. Thanks to Jonas's harsh prodding and unfiltered honesty and Viking good looks.
This was an unexpectedly great read, a wonderful picture of the complicatedly simple life in Alaska, of the tight-knit community, of feeling like you have a family. At the same time, it also talks of forgiveness, building a relationship with a father despite knowing she will lose him soon. The story made me grateful that I have always had a close relationship with my Dad so that even though I may not had been able to say goodbye, I felt in my heart and mind everything he wasn't able to say....more
So heartwarming and adorable especially the "THEN" parts. This definitely makes it to my top two favorites by the author duo, The Soulmate Eq4.5 stars
So heartwarming and adorable especially the "THEN" parts. This definitely makes it to my top two favorites by the author duo, The Soulmate Equation being the top one. The revelations about Macy and Elliot's fallout were so devastating though, I almost didn't trust that a reconciliation is even possible after it. The outcome (I didn't want to spoil the ending for anyone) made sense though because of the foundation of their relationship. Sorry I couldn't do a lengthier review. I guess that's how good the book is, I didn't have the urge to feel critical. I just savored every word. ...more
I read the ebook version several years ago but when I saw a super affordable secondhand copy, I didn't hesitate to buy it because it's definitely one I read the ebook version several years ago but when I saw a super affordable secondhand copy, I didn't hesitate to buy it because it's definitely one of the books I wanted to read again. It's no surprise Colleen Hoover spoke highly of it because it reads like it could be one of her books. The angst, the humor, the themes of death and grief, the he-said-she-said POV, the romance and the undeniable chemistry, and the simple but beautiful writing, all ingredients to CoHo's books. ...more
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