Reviews

Blank by Zibby Owens

emjaysmusings's review against another edition

lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

dbmcgrath's review against another edition

3.0

Just kind of odd. I finished because I needed to know the end but not in the engaged way. Just kind of eh. Too many final chapters. Just too much

jessbc91's review against another edition

3.0

I felt so many emotions reading this book! I’ve heard of this author’s memoir, Bookends, but don’t recall having read it. This was my Amazon First Reads pick and I can honestly say it was engaging. The book has many unlikely plot details but the characters, especially Pippa and her kids, were believable and well-written. I enjoyed getting to know them through the story. What would have made this book better, in my opinion, was more time dedicated to developing and transitioning the elements of the plot and spreading out the drama. It seemed really rushed and the characters didn’t grieve or process the emotional turmoil that would be expected in real life. I also would have liked to see some more consequences for the villains in the story… but real life doesn’t always work out that way. Good book!

ekbuege's review

1.0

I had the opportunity to read this book for free (Prime First Reads) and got to it today. I'm sure it was a fun book for the author to write, but it didn't come across as a fun book to *read.* It was like self-insertion fantasy for authors, about an author who can't decide what to write for her next book (while angsting over her failing marriage) and decides to turn in a blank book and convince everyone (including herself) that this is a good idea and that she's making a statement about the publishing industry.

The characters, including the main character herself, lacked any real voice distinctions and were all tropey, as were the troubles that all got thrown at the main character at once. I was able to predict several of the twists/ending, and the scene that I think was supposed to be the climax of the story forced a lot of characters and plot elements all into one place at one time for dramatic effect that broke my suspension of disbelief. I kept thinking the story was satirical, but I don't think it was--I think it was real wishful thinking about how authors wish life would go. Some of my other specific complaints would be spoilers, so I'll leave them out.

I'm sorry to leave such a harsh review on a book, but I would love to see storytellers hold themselves to a higher standard and want to be honest when a book falls short of that mark.

kelseysterg's review against another edition

1.0

Characters were immature, storyline was trying to do too many things, and trying to sell a blank book as a “statement” because you can’t pay back your advance is gross

slstiner's review

hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

ap2009's review

funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.25

amkindschi's review against another edition

3.0

There were moments of cute and relatabilty in regards to being blocked or stuck. But the story felt rushed as if it didn't have time for 3-dimensional characters, and the majority of scenes felt contrived and unbelievable. The idea of 'Blank' (the fictional book) was great and well presented. The people that filled 'Blank' (the actual story) were flat as chocolate chip pancakes.

cmariej09's review against another edition

1.0

Maybe I wasn't the target audience for this one. The premise seemed so promising but overall it just didn't have any redeeming qualities for me.

caryneh's review

lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5