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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this one. Character-driven books are hit or miss for me, and it really depends on the format I use (audio vs. physical), my mood, and the writing style.
I think I’m just at a time in life where this family drama hit hard and moved me. I loved the author’s writing style and how she developed each character so well. You loved (most of) them, but knew they were flawed.
I really enjoyed the brothers - all different, but all likable in very specific ways. The parents weren’t great, but you understood what demons they were struggling with.
Marley and Way’s marriage was so well done. It’s hard. Period. But their love was so evident.
Also a huge fan of the mid-1990s and small-town Pennsylvania setting. (Side note - is the 1990s historical fiction? Please say no because I was born then. Thanks.
I think I’m just at a time in life where this family drama hit hard and moved me. I loved the author’s writing style and how she developed each character so well. You loved (most of) them, but knew they were flawed.
I really enjoyed the brothers - all different, but all likable in very specific ways. The parents weren’t great, but you understood what demons they were struggling with.
Marley and Way’s marriage was so well done. It’s hard. Period. But their love was so evident.
Also a huge fan of the mid-1990s and small-town Pennsylvania setting. (Side note - is the 1990s historical fiction? Please say no because I was born then. Thanks.
challenging
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loved this one. You fall in love with each character, even the tough ones. There is also a bit of mystery that continues to unfold throughout the book. Highly recommend.
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I could tell from the writing in the opening paragraph that Mercury would draw me in. The story is wholly original and focuses on family dynamics with a mystery woven in. Set in the 1990s, which I love to see, Mercury is about the Josephs, a family of roofers, and Marley, who joins the family through marriage, eventually.
As someone who has lived in western Pennsylvania, I literally felt the atmosphere in every sense through Amy Jo Burns’ writing. My favorite aspect of the story is the characterization. They are each fleshed out in three-dimension with all the complexity. Just as soon as I thought I knew them and could predict what would happen next, a new layer was unmasked. It all feels so vividly real.
While Mercury did not go in the direction I imagined it would, I enjoyed that about it. It was completely its own original story of family, friendship, secrets, and plenty of drama. Amy Jo Burns is a highly skilled writer, and I can’t wait to read what’s next from her.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
As someone who has lived in western Pennsylvania, I literally felt the atmosphere in every sense through Amy Jo Burns’ writing. My favorite aspect of the story is the characterization. They are each fleshed out in three-dimension with all the complexity. Just as soon as I thought I knew them and could predict what would happen next, a new layer was unmasked. It all feels so vividly real.
While Mercury did not go in the direction I imagined it would, I enjoyed that about it. It was completely its own original story of family, friendship, secrets, and plenty of drama. Amy Jo Burns is a highly skilled writer, and I can’t wait to read what’s next from her.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
My first five star of the summer! I found myself doing that thing where you slow down as you get closer to the end because you know it’s going to end and you’re not ready yet. I loved the characters in this book.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No