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shona_lynne's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
accio_bookworms's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
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? No
3.5
I’ll start by saying that I have not watched the movie, so that hasn’t impacted my feelings when reading this novel at all.
This book’s writing style transported me back to my childhood and the books I loved to read back then. It is quite different to what I would read now and was not written with an adult audience in mind, so I have to try and put myself back in my younger self’s shoes for this review.
I really enjoyed the dry humour, whimsy and Howl’s drama queen moments. The concept was so unique and I thought the various characters’ storylines were woven masterfully. I would have liked to see where certain characters ended up and to have explored some of them in more depth, but the way it was written is consistent with the style of a children’s book so I’m not too concerned with it!
I would recommend it as a light, whimsical comfort read for adults and a timeless, spellbinding adventure tale for children.
This book’s writing style transported me back to my childhood and the books I loved to read back then. It is quite different to what I would read now and was not written with an adult audience in mind, so I have to try and put myself back in my younger self’s shoes for this review.
I really enjoyed the dry humour, whimsy and Howl’s drama queen moments. The concept was so unique and I thought the various characters’ storylines were woven masterfully. I would have liked to see where certain characters ended up and to have explored some of them in more depth, but the way it was written is consistent with the style of a children’s book so I’m not too concerned with it!
I would recommend it as a light, whimsical comfort read for adults and a timeless, spellbinding adventure tale for children.
grace__elizabeth's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
curiouser_books's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
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
4.0
When was the last time you read it?
Actual stars: 4
Format: audio, libby
What I liked: Last week a customer in the bookstore asked when the last time I read Howl's Moving Castle was. I'm thinking I was like 9, so it's been awhile. She told me she had just re-read it and liked it even more now. I have to agree. Somehow in this simple story, there is more character development and story happening just below the surface than most adult books I read. Maybe it is just the nostalgia talking, but I loved this wholeheartedly.
What I didn't like: Honestly, I didn't dislike anything. Plus this new cover is a million times better than the one the book had when I was a kid.
Who I'm recommending this to: Everyone. If you're an adult, you need to re-read. If you're a kid who likes fantasy, you need to read. This is really great for that good reader who isn't ready for more complicated YA stories yet.
Actual stars: 4
Format: audio, libby
What I liked: Last week a customer in the bookstore asked when the last time I read Howl's Moving Castle was. I'm thinking I was like 9, so it's been awhile. She told me she had just re-read it and liked it even more now. I have to agree. Somehow in this simple story, there is more character development and story happening just below the surface than most adult books I read. Maybe it is just the nostalgia talking, but I loved this wholeheartedly.
What I didn't like: Honestly, I didn't dislike anything. Plus this new cover is a million times better than the one the book had when I was a kid.
Who I'm recommending this to: Everyone. If you're an adult, you need to re-read. If you're a kid who likes fantasy, you need to read. This is really great for that good reader who isn't ready for more complicated YA stories yet.
ghostie669's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
fraankiee's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
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? It's complicated
5.0
ghiblinerd's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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? It's complicated
5.0
rinikiwi's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Charming writing style, very sweet.
vmusing's review against another edition
4.0
4.5*
So cute!! I started reading this book back in July after having watched the Studio Ghibli adaptation the first time. Originally, I wanted to read it because the first time watching the movie had left me feeling overwhelmed. The book too was underwhelming to me and I decided to DNF.
Then, last week I re-watched the movie and FELL IN LOVE. I don’t know why, but the second time around really resonated with me. So, I thought why not pick up the book again? And I did, and ended up loving the book as well!
The book is quite a bit different than the movie, and I would say I think I prefer the movie but I love how much backstory the book gives that we miss out on in the movie. My only real complaint is that I felt the ending of this book was very rushed and wrapped up too quickly and neatly.
So cute!! I started reading this book back in July after having watched the Studio Ghibli adaptation the first time. Originally, I wanted to read it because the first time watching the movie had left me feeling overwhelmed. The book too was underwhelming to me and I decided to DNF.
Then, last week I re-watched the movie and FELL IN LOVE. I don’t know why, but the second time around really resonated with me. So, I thought why not pick up the book again? And I did, and ended up loving the book as well!
The book is quite a bit different than the movie, and I would say I think I prefer the movie but I love how much backstory the book gives that we miss out on in the movie. My only real complaint is that I felt the ending of this book was very rushed and wrapped up too quickly and neatly.
eline_e's review against another edition
5.0
I already love the anime, and now this is one of my favourite books aswell. It's an enchanting and whimsical story with unforgettable characters.
The movie is great standalone, but the book just gives more
The movie is great standalone, but the book just gives more