Reviews

North Woods by Daniel Mason

camsreedings's review against another edition

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4.5

Almost perfect. Descriptions of land and being alive and well is truly stunning and a major accomplishment. Totally an amazing idea to write a book based off of one piece of land over hundred of years. I love it, love the western Mass vibe. Thank you Daniel mason 

japoshi's review against another edition

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

4.75

lorif61's review against another edition

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(DNF - The synopsis did not forewarn of the unique style this novel is written, and I have not read other works by this author.)

Umm...No oohhh's and aahhh's here. Made it to page 14 (quizzical expression the whole time) then skimmed through to see if there was an actual storyline somewhere written in a format I could comprehend and enjoy. I'm not an intellect or deep thinker - I'm just a "plain Jane" bibliophile who reads for pleasure and likes a really good story no matter the genre. The writing style just didn't work for me.

bethreadsandnaps's review against another edition

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3.0

I liked the concept of these interlinked short stories having to do with a cabin in Maine. Other reviewers love the prose. 

I am "eh" about this, but that likely tells you more about my reading tastes than the quality of this book. The prose was too purple and circuitous for me. I wanted a fun summer read with easy vibes, and this is not it. It required more concentration than I wanted to give it. I sighed at some of the stories, not wanting to be played with like the author so intelligently played with his readers. 

kamikatarian's review against another edition

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dark informative mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

waterbear0821's review against another edition

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funny informative reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This was a pleasure to read. It was not exactly a page-turner, but I was very invested in every step of the story. The author does a great job of making even horrible characters rich and lovable. And the writing is clever and funny. There is a pleasing sense of connection that is a gift to the reader. Aside from the fact that this book is deeply sad, from the themes of personal loss and loneliness to the depressing plod toward the absolute destruction of nature, I have no complaints and enjoyed it immensely. 

adriano64's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny informative mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Hands down my favorite book ever. Completely unique and unlike anything else I’ve read. 

micklesreads's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

It took me some time to get into this, but the story with the sisters marked a real shift. I was most affected by the final story, emotionally. A strange and beautiful book.

jnan333's review against another edition

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adventurous informative mysterious reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.5

deb729's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5