Reviews

I’m so sad I wasn’t able to devote the mindset to read this book at 100%. It is going on my to read list for sure. Initially telling the story of 18 year old Zoey going out on the world on her own, it really tells the story of the secrets we hide, the ghosts we keep, and the power of found family. Very sweet, and wholesome, with a sprinkle of magic and mystery.

theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition

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3.0

I know that I am not the only fan who has been eagerly waiting for Sarah Addison Allen’s latest novel, Other Birds. I found this author’s previous books to be magical, special, and enticing. Other Birds did not have the same feel as the author’s other works. I did not find myself drawn into the story. The tale is told from several point-of-views (the residents along with a ghost or two). The story meanders from one character to the next. I enjoyed the descriptions of Mallow Island as well as the apartment complex with the lush foliage and unusual birds. There is an assortment of characters who have issues. There is one trying to run from her past (that never works), one who has someone they are not ready to let go, estranged sisters, a young woman looking to bond with her deceased mother, one who wishes to escape the island, and the caretaker of the condos. It is an offbeat cast of characters with some of them having unusual quirks. Before Zoey arrived at The Dellawisp, the residents kept to themselves. Proximity along with some strange occurrences slowly bring the residents together. The residents begin to bond and slowly get to know each other. They each have something they need to get past (hoarding, mental health issues, child neglect, sexual assault, a cult) before they can move on with their lives. There is your biological family, and then there is the family you create which is what we have in Other Birds. It happens in a way that is slightly unbelievable. The magical element was different (I do not want to say too much and spoil it for you). I did not feel that the characters were fleshed out (there were too many of them, so they all suffered). I was never able to get into this book (I tried). I felt Other Birds lacked substance. There are various unrelated storylines along with a mystery or two. I felt that the ending to Zoey’s story was lackluster. The mystery resolution is rushed and incomplete. While Other Birds is my least favorite book by this author, I am looking forward to Sarah Addison Allen’s next magical tale. Other Birds is a unique story with an enticing island, bizarre birds, a fragrant tree, an abnormal mystery, quirky residents, and past pains.

lemmyjoz's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious fast-paced

5.0

itacuz's review against another edition

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hopeful lighthearted medium-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

2.5

I didn't like this. I don't want to dunk on it too much, but everything felt too prescribed. Like the author wrote what she thought you would want to read, rather than what made sense.

I'm not some gatekeeper of what something "making sense" is, but there was something off about this book that left the happy endings unsatisfying. Too many things were too convenient, while other elements of realism attempted to drag the book back to reality.

Some books are not for me and this certainly was one of them. Do with that what you will.

kahkmyers's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective fast-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

Sarah does it again. Somehow she turns a book that when described to others, sounds ridiculous, into a heart warming amazing story. Loved every sweet, sad and twist that makes up this book.

javafenn's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

4.5

I deeply enjoyed listening to this book. I really loved the tendrils of ghosts lingering amongst each character and why their specific ghost sticks around. Zoey is so very young and you can’t help but hope nothing bad happens to her. She moves into her late mother’s apartment at the Dellawisp to learn who she was. She meets now friends and brings new meaning to the Dellawisp along the way. It’s a sweet book with a satisfying ending.

Content Warnings

mrsclicquot's review against another edition

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5.0

I really needed a lifting story without completely straying from the usual mysteries I read. Other Birds delivered!

Interesting character development and heartwarming. I cried, a lot. I couldn’t help but smile while reading most of it.

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