Reviews

Das Wörterbuch der Liebenden by David Levithan, Andreas Steinhöfel

mediocremae's review against another edition

hopeful medium-paced

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

3.0

somewhat inspiring and an enjoyable, short read! I think it could've been better if the timing was clearer, or the timeline was laid out easier for the reader to grasp, but I do understand that the not-doing-that was intentional... like it was obviously ambiguous on purpose, that just isn't usually my style. anyway, glad to call another book completed after this silly reading slump I've been in!

snowman_reads's review against another edition

5.0

This is my 4th time to read this book and this book is like piecing together a heart in love, in doubt and in pain. I love how I always find new words to that I can relate and think about

mmajer's review against another edition

5.0

Love, love, LOVED it. This book is just so unique, and imaginative, and wonderful, and real. I think that's what I like most about this book, that it depicts love in such a real way, not everything is perfect. It kind of reminded me of the movie Blue Valentine in this sense. I really enjoyed reading about these two characters who are complete strangers to the reader, they aren't even given names, but while they're strangers, I also felt like I knew them so well, and became so invested in their relationship with them.

While it was a very short and quick read, I stopped halfway through to try and prolong it as much as I could. I took a break for a late lunch and a shower. I couldn't stop thinking about the book though- so much that when I hopped out of the shower, I realized I had only washed my hair, and not the rest of my body. Yep, I loved it that much. This book is now on my all time favorites list.

moffmaam's review against another edition

3.0

I really love the concept of this book but I just didn’t vibe with it.

durva_1401's review against another edition

lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.5

kaitays's review against another edition

emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No

3.5

David writes about love in the most obscure but detailed, intricate way. Do you love this person or are you more interested in being in love? Is this what relationships are about? Are you doing it correctly? These are all questions that are considered in the book, but never said. We never know the names of the characters, it’s more about what their relationship represents and it is all done through dictionary entries. They represent the high, lows, and mishappening of relationships and give the reader the idea that it is truly hard to really conceptualize love. It took me a while to read this book. Not because it was bad but it took a lot of mental effort as I had to look up many words, however, I like learning so I wasn’t mad. The creativity was unmatched for this book, but this is definitely a one time read. 

Initial Response: 4/5; Recommend?: 4/5; Re-Readability: 2.5/5 Characters: 2.5/5; Plot: 3.5/5

Overall: 3.3/5 

Would Purchase?: Yes

amanda1793's review against another edition

3.0

This book was unique. I've never come across a book that has a whole story told in definitions. I've seen other books told in notes and verses, and many of these are not my favourite. However, this book was interesting but not my favourite. A lot of things are left with a big question mark. I can't determine if the narrator and the girlfriend stay together after the story, or he moves on and ends things with her and seeks a relationship else where... I do wish that the story was told in a more linear way... But the story still remains unique and quite cute to see the relationship through odd words in the dictionary.

amandairene's review against another edition

4.0

Very, very well written. I was not sure I would like the style at first, but once I started, I could not put it down. I read this book in 2.5 hours and I'm still thinking about the characters.

laureenreads's review against another edition

4.0

This was not a lovey dovey tale of love and romance. Most of the entries were short, with one entry simply being n/a, which was one of the most telling entries. The abruptness worked well, the definitions at times made me pause and think about them, and it was a unique way to go about writing a book. It was a very quick read, and at the end... I wanted more. I wished that the alphabet had a few more letters so the story could continue. I recommend this story to pretty much anyone (but if you have a love of the unique and a love of words then you'll probably appreciate this story even more).

rmenriqu's review against another edition

emotional hopeful lighthearted sad

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.0