Reviews

The Unsinkable Greta James by Jennifer E. Smith

sabrimata's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective tense 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

4.0

jenamber00's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful informative reflective sad tense 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

5.0

I am not sure if I can even express just how much I LOVE this book. I went into it blind, I wasn't even sure of the genre. I think it's contemporary fiction with a subplot of romance (Off page scenes). 
The writing was intriguing and fast pace. It IS written in third person however it's done so well it's sort of an afterthought of "Oh yeah, it was third person.". 
The story follows Greta James and her journey into the great alone: A week long Alaskan cruise with her father who she hasn't talk to in months since her Mom passed away. While on the cruise she meets a man that she has chemistry with and they talk through both of their issues in their own lives.
I really related with the main character and her dad reminded me of someone in my own family I've had issues with so I got a LOT out of this book. I felt all the emotions and it's the first book of the year to make me cry. 
I couldn't think of a single bad thing about this book so it had to be a 5 Star for me.  If you like books like Wild or Where'd You Go, Bernadette? I think you will really enjoy this book! 

P.S. I read 90% of it on the 1st and the last 10% after 12am because I couldn't quit reading. lol So I basically read this book all in one day.

teacupsandfirereads's review

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adventurous hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

While this book made grief readable and relatable, I felt it missed the mark otherwise. The only character we really got to know and understand was Great. One woman show? Doesn't always work. I felt no engagement with Great either, I didn't hate her, but I didn't love her. The idea of a daughter accompanying a father on a trip after his wife dies has so much potential. A great place to dive in to the ups and downs of the relationship, but it only scratched the surface. It was readable, but can't say I will highly recommend it.

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tasha5492's review

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adventurous emotional medium-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? It's complicated

3.5

cadkins21's review against another edition

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slow-paced

3.0

manderzreadz's review against another edition

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5.0

Wow. First off, thank you goodreads giveaways and the publishers giving me an ARC of this book. After reading it, it’s safe to say that this is the best book I’ve read all year, and it will take the world by storm in March.
Greta James, a guitarist whose hard work put her in the spotlight has her world turned upside down by the death of her biggest fan—her mother. How can she come to terms with life and “turn another page”? By an Alaskan cruise, of course! Full of warm, memorable, tug-on-your-heartstrings moments, this book will stay with you long after you read it.
As an avid member of Book of the Month, I will not be surprised if this isn’t a pick come March 2022.

steph1101's review against another edition

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4.0

Thank you so much netgallery and Jennifer Smith for this ARC!

4.5 Stars!!! Probably my favorite book from netgallery so far. A beautiful story about conquering grief and rebuilding relationships and just how life keeps moving forward. It was such an easy read and it reminded me of a hallmark movie in the way that it was heart-warming. Greta James is so likable and down to earth despite her "rockstar" status, you can't help but root for her. It was a fun juxtaposition coming from reading Daisy Jones and the six recently. I definitely recommend this book and can't wait to hear others thoughts on it once it comes out!

ajkremer's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

cassidybone's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I have sort of mixed feelings about this one. It is not a light and fluffy beach read, but it’s not deep and profound either. It sort of skirts the line between the two in a way that was perfect for a Saturday afternoon audiobook while doing chores and going for a nice, long walk. 

I really liked Greta and her uncertainty about how other people responded to her life choices (music career, not married, no kids, etc.) was relatable while also being removed enough that it didn’t hit TOO hard. The setting of Alaska was cool and made me want to go on an Alaskan cruise, and the whole “parent issues/teenage petulance/healing relationships” thing was handled in a way that felt messy and REAL. 

Ben’s obsession with Call of the Wild felt weird, but as someone who has known boys who are obsessed with Jack London, it was also relatable in a niche way. 😂

lr205's review against another edition

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4.0

Musician dealing with grief and trying to get career back on track.