Reviews

Cupid: A Tale of Love and Desire by Julius Lester

syncup's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Have you ever gotten so bored listening to an audiobook that you processed none of the words? Well, I wish this is what I experienced. 
Instead I got no meaningful words and a couple slurs with an overwhelming amount of sexism. 

paolahenonin's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

bookcleavage's review against another edition

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5.0

Ahh, another beautiful tale of forbidden love - yet this book is anything but cliche.
This book is great because it gives a modern-day setting to characters in greek mythology. And my personal favorite part is that Cupid, instead of being a cute little baby, is a hunky grown man!
Like love stories?
Like greek mythology?
Got a sarcastic sense of humor?
READ THIS BOOK!

vgdesigns's review against another edition

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5.0

A most loved story brought to life in a new voice. I highly recommend the audio book version.

fell4's review against another edition

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2.0

This book has a two out of five stars because of three major flaws. I think most of these may only be flaws to me, so don't think this book isn't any good, because I did enjoy reading it.

However, while I love a good Greek mythology retelling (especially one involving Eros and Psyche), this book mixes Roman and Greek, with emphasis on the Roman which, while similar in some ways to Greek, I do not enjoy reading.

Also, Cupid (the book) is a book that has a narrator, not one of the main characters, telling the story, which was odd and he broke the fourth wall often, and badly.

The last thing is the very title itself. With the focus characters name being Cupid, it is not a very smart decision to name the title of the book Cupid as well; and A Tale of Love and Desire sounds like this book is on the raunchy side. I am glad to report it is not, and I am sad to say that the romantic situations in the book are horribly described. Seriously. I've read better fanfictions that describe two characters kissing and the innuendo leading up to the end of the chapter so the work will stay PG-13. The author seems afraid to describe anything, because its a book for young adults, but wants to have scenes like that in there because, hey, it's a teen book and don't they all have to have that sort of thing in there? I feel like the book would be stronger if those scenes were taken out and hinted at because then we wouldn't have to know how badly this author is at writing non-explicit love scenes.

foofymcgriddle's review

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adventurous lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

amdame1's review

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3.0

3.5 stars. Re-telling of Eros (Cupid) and Psyche, which is a favorite of mine. But the narrator is modern and irritating. However, I think it will get more teens to read this classic myth.

emvsmith's review

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5.0

This truly classic story told in a whole new way. The setting isn't contemporary but the sensibility is. A great guide to the mysteries of love, lust, and relationships.

Excellent narration.

airaseem's review

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3.0

Didn’t know much about Cupid the god of love and Psyche. I enjoyed learning about Greek mythology and since it was a story about love even better. I’m a sucker for love and this book really told the story well. I enjoyed it. I did feel the ending was rushed and there was no revelation of forgiveness I wish there was. So yeah the ending was rushed and the issue was just swept under the rug. But interesting story.

alice453y4's review

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5.0

Short, but lyrical, this little retelling of the story of Cupid and Pysche is funny, charming and (when I say this I mean the characters' personalities and feelings, not the whole I'm a greek Goddess angle) relatable.

It's a little gem. Read it..