Reviews

The Unsinkable Greta James by Jennifer E. Smith

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manderzreadz's review

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

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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. 😂