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3.51 AVERAGE
3.51 AVERAGE
A good and entertaining read!
We have the dry, if not particularly likeable viewpoint of a whiny, irreverent, irritating, shocking, self-absorbed, sympathetic, and sheltered teenager, and this is characterisation is written very, very faithfully. There is complete intentionality to the shock factor that some readers appear to be upset by – we have the messy human experience of a spoilt and traumatised teenager's internal spiel – to make it sanitised would be doing a disservice to the character. It is teenager to the core. I think it entirely age appropriate, for what it is.
For such an unlikeable character, there is something redeemingly witty about the way the book was written. Admittedly this read as more of a character study (some sort of grief arc bildungsroman meeting your everyday mystery/thriller) than a story about a fantasy book. The book was actually the least remarkable thing in this novel. Despite that, it was really very enjoyable and the characters leapt off the page.
We have the dry, if not particularly likeable viewpoint of a whiny, irreverent, irritating, shocking, self-absorbed, sympathetic, and sheltered teenager, and this is characterisation is written very, very faithfully. There is complete intentionality to the shock factor that some readers appear to be upset by – we have the messy human experience of a spoilt and traumatised teenager's internal spiel – to make it sanitised would be doing a disservice to the character. It is teenager to the core. I think it entirely age appropriate, for what it is.
For such an unlikeable character, there is something redeemingly witty about the way the book was written. Admittedly this read as more of a character study (some sort of grief arc bildungsroman meeting your everyday mystery/thriller) than a story about a fantasy book. The book was actually the least remarkable thing in this novel. Despite that, it was really very enjoyable and the characters leapt off the page.
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:
Yes
Ehhhhh I don't know.
This is the first book I read because a randomized picked it for me. To be honest I finished it just to prove I could. The first half is truly boring. Nothing happens, the main character is unlikeable to the extreme, and I honestly skipped whole paragraphs.
I honestly think this book could've benefited from a stricter editor. There were too many "mysteries" and it was hard to understand exactly what was going on. The Book that this book was named after, came into the story so late, became a plot point so late, and then suddenly it was like it was just a plot device. A thing for Tamara to bounce her character development off of, but not an actual plot.
I liked the plot twists at the end. When Sister Ignatius was so adamant about Tamara's age, I knew something was up there. I liked the weird family dynamics that played out.
But no, I can't say this book is very good. I wish an editor had looked at this more. Because I do think it has the potential to be good.
This is the first book I read because a randomized picked it for me. To be honest I finished it just to prove I could. The first half is truly boring. Nothing happens, the main character is unlikeable to the extreme, and I honestly skipped whole paragraphs.
I honestly think this book could've benefited from a stricter editor. There were too many "mysteries" and it was hard to understand exactly what was going on. The Book that this book was named after, came into the story so late, became a plot point so late, and then suddenly it was like it was just a plot device. A thing for Tamara to bounce her character development off of, but not an actual plot.
I liked the plot twists at the end. When Sister Ignatius was so adamant about Tamara's age, I knew something was up there. I liked the weird family dynamics that played out.
But no, I can't say this book is very good. I wish an editor had looked at this more. Because I do think it has the potential to be good.
3.5 stars. I was interested enough to keep reading and finish the book. Intriguing story. A good, relatively fast read; perfect summer book.
What a weird experience. Reading it and could swore I have never read it before until 3/4 way through and realised that I have! Beautifully written with many thought provoking sentences. A good old mystery with satisfying resolution. The book part is the only one that doesn't sit right with me. I like my book to be one way or another. This switched half way through.
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
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:
Complicated
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
Het eerste boek van Ahern dat mij teleurgesteld heeft. Het verhaal komt zeer traag op gang en wordt dan aan het einde erg snel afgeraffeld. Als of ze niet boven de 300 pagina`s mocht uitkomen. Het concept van “het boek” had veel beter uitgediept kunnen worden. Dat had potentie, maar is er niet uitgekomen. Er had een veel beter verhaal ingezeten. Ook het zelfmedelijden van de hoofdpersoon vond ik erg irritant worden.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
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