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stephanieridiculous's review against another edition
4.0
What a sweet book!
First of all, this book is technically delightful. I loved the utilization of alternating POV, and that the reading list itself gets an ongoing narrative. It was so clever and kept the story fresh and moving.
I get why the list of books is the list it is; they're all loved, respected, and older books, which is necessary for their function in the story to work. I do wish the list had been a little more adventurous, but I get it. I don't think you need to have read the list of books ahead of this, but it doesn't hurt to have a passing knowledge of the plots. Reading the wiki plot summaries would suffice. Be warned, though, that if you are intending to read these books eventually and haven't yet there are some pretty big spoilers discussed throughout the book. Them being such popular books likely means you are already familiar, but just in case - be warned!
I thoroughly enjoyed this and appreciate how wholesome and uplifting the story ultimately is. This is a love letter to readers, community, and a wonderful reminder that it's never too late to start reading. I do have some very minor complaints, but mostly they are matters of preference. The one I'll share is that most readers aren't out on these streets hallucinating characters and settings as they go through their life! That was probably the cringiest part, but it was at times effective. Content/trigger warnings for severe mental health struggles, suicide, and loss of a spouse.
First of all, this book is technically delightful. I loved the utilization of alternating POV, and that the reading list itself gets an ongoing narrative. It was so clever and kept the story fresh and moving.
I get why the list of books is the list it is; they're all loved, respected, and older books, which is necessary for their function in the story to work. I do wish the list had been a little more adventurous, but I get it. I don't think you need to have read the list of books ahead of this, but it doesn't hurt to have a passing knowledge of the plots. Reading the wiki plot summaries would suffice. Be warned, though, that if you are intending to read these books eventually and haven't yet there are some pretty big spoilers discussed throughout the book. Them being such popular books likely means you are already familiar, but just in case - be warned!
I thoroughly enjoyed this and appreciate how wholesome and uplifting the story ultimately is. This is a love letter to readers, community, and a wonderful reminder that it's never too late to start reading. I do have some very minor complaints, but mostly they are matters of preference. The one I'll share is that most readers aren't out on these streets hallucinating characters and settings as they go through their life! That was probably the cringiest part, but it was at times effective. Content/trigger warnings for severe mental health struggles, suicide, and loss of a spouse.
juniperpinejournals's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
Loved it!
It’s a beautiful story!
It’s a beautiful story!
thompyreads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? No
5.0
browneyes112890's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
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
mili_starling's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
4.5
s_nebulosa's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
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
4.5
zgreyz's review against another edition
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
i liked it, but didn’t love it. i like the overall theme of connecting with people through books and being able to relate them to real life situations and stuff.
i’m judgy about the books picked for the list.
and aside from the one shocking event it felt slow and like nothing much really happened so i’m just kinda neutral about it
i’m judgy about the books picked for the list.
and aside from the one shocking event it felt slow and like nothing much really happened so i’m just kinda neutral about it
Moderate: Suicide
vivo_morior's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
3.0