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4.17 AVERAGE
4.17 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The writing is okay but it is too simple for me. Just as I was about to dnf it from boredom (I really don't care about every little thing she buys and eats, for instance. And memories of glue traps plus the idea of spending so much $ on vets when people are dying of poverty just took me out of the story and made my mind wander), around halfway through he drops the bomb that she's actually a famous doctor. Then the class differences between heart surgeons and regular people become annoying. You're not supposed to notice that. The author writes children's books, and everything here is written like a kid's book, very simplified. Everyone just drops what they are doing to be super friendly and helpful to this old lady once they find out who she is. I know some people love this book, but I personally found it impossible to take at face value. You will know what kind of reader you are and can choose accordingly. Btw, don't expect to learn what happened to her husband and son. Unless I really dozed off at some point, it doesn't ever say.
This was such a an interesting book. I guess sort of outside the categories of books I usually read, but reading it also felt very familiar. Almost like a cosy murder mystery where there isn't a murder, and not even really a mystery, just lots of cosy. The tale starts with a main character who is resigned to just living out her life, and that's a mindset I can certainly relate to these days. She finds a surprising path into community and connection, and is perhaps the last character to realize she has changed. A very nice story, that has me thinking about some pretty big ideas about finding meaning in existence. Really, I didn't expect so much from reading this. Highly recommended.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really enjoyed this book, and the social commentary it offered through a simultaneously lighthearted and somber storyline. I enjoyed the development of Helen and the people that gathered around here. I enjoyed the first 2 thirds more than the last portion, so unfortunately it only is sitting at a 3.75 for me, but don't let this discourage you. The dynamic between Helen and sipsworth is so rich and deeply meaningful and how asute the acknowledgement of how being known, and your loved ones remembered, by more than just yourself, can be a transformative and life shifting experience It was very engaging and I do recommend. Also, if you enjoyed this book I would also recommend Delirious by Damirn Wilkins. It as similar story beats, but is longer so has more time to explore complex life events alongside some historical moments (is about an older couple, rather than a widow and a mouse).
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
4.5? But rounding up because I can’t think of any reason why I wouldn’t. A joyful, lovely book. The cutest palette cleanser. Emotional yet hopeful.
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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