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britneysreads00's review against another edition
5.0
loved this book, little frustrating with small things the main character decided to do, but the ending had me all in the feels
mickey09's review against another edition
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
I couldn’t get into this book at all. This book was too light for me and not my usual genre. DNF
zanybibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
This is a book about how a book can change your life.
You can read
It was light, fluffy and a nice balance of romance, friendship and life.
You can read
It was light, fluffy and a nice balance of romance, friendship and life.
amotisse's review against another edition
5.0
I love books about books, especially when filled with creative intrigue! Books are living, breathing entities in their own right and it's so thrilling discovering their physical stories, the traces readers leave behind. Can't wait to try out Next chapter at our next book club meeting!
pooxs's review against another edition
3.0
I liked the mystery of the writer even though it was predictable in connection to an existing character, and enjoyed the development about Bea’s career. However I hated the cliche, drama filled and predictable romance.
becmcgrath's review against another edition
3.0
*2.5 stars
I reallyyyy wanted to like this book - it seemed like it would be a great fun, light, romantic read.
Unfortunately, it just...didn't hit the mark for me. The book was fine, and the concept was great, but it just wasn't executed in the way I was hoping/anticipating.
The writing wasn't my style, and there was more than one occasion of "I let out a breath I didn't realise I'd been holding". I also found the bookish aspects and references of this novel to make me want to eyeroll pretty often. Maybe it's just me, but just because I love books and literature, I don't go around quoting them every day?? And how are these characters expected to remember everything they once read?? I might love a book but struggle to recall all the characters names a few months later...
The main character, Bea, was a 30-year old woman but acted like a teenager. I think the book would've been better if she was in her very early 30's, just finished uni and then realising she hates the career she's chosen.
But the main disappointment was the plot and pacing. When I reached about 50% of this book, the plot seemed to wrap up, but we were only halfway through the novel. I actually ended up enjoying the second half of the book waaay more, and think that could've almost stood alone. There was just a lot of unnecessary side plots that lead nowhere, and the ex-best friend Cassandra could almost be eliminated (except that she works as a plot device).
I think I was just expecting more from this! It was very light and easy to read, but I was searching for a bit more heart, relatability and romance.
I reallyyyy wanted to like this book - it seemed like it would be a great fun, light, romantic read.
Unfortunately, it just...didn't hit the mark for me. The book was fine, and the concept was great, but it just wasn't executed in the way I was hoping/anticipating.
The writing wasn't my style, and there was more than one occasion of "I let out a breath I didn't realise I'd been holding". I also found the bookish aspects and references of this novel to make me want to eyeroll pretty often. Maybe it's just me, but just because I love books and literature, I don't go around quoting them every day?? And how are these characters expected to remember everything they once read?? I might love a book but struggle to recall all the characters names a few months later...
The main character, Bea, was a 30-year old woman but acted like a teenager. I think the book would've been better if she was in her very early 30's, just finished uni and then realising she hates the career she's chosen.
But the main disappointment was the plot and pacing. When I reached about 50% of this book, the plot seemed to wrap up, but we were only halfway through the novel. I actually ended up enjoying the second half of the book waaay more, and think that could've almost stood alone. There was just a lot of unnecessary side plots that lead nowhere, and the ex-best friend Cassandra could almost be eliminated (except that she works as a plot device).
I think I was just expecting more from this! It was very light and easy to read, but I was searching for a bit more heart, relatability and romance.
petalish's review against another edition
4.0
While You Were Reading is a quirky, lighthearted novel just perfect for a weekend read. A delightful contemporary romance about finding your true self, and real friends that warmed my heart, and had me staying up late till the last page.
Full of bookish references, and plenty of Melbourne haunts, there's lots to love including very relatable bookworm Bea, who is trying to rebuild her life after moving to Melbourne for a fresh start. Picking up a second hand book at a local bookstore, she falls in love with the handwritten annotations in the margins, and begins a quest to hunt down the author. Finding herself in a job she hates, lacking in friends, she turns to the local Barista Dino for motivation and moral support, who supplies her apt handwritten bookish quotes on her daily coffee cups.
I absolutely enjoyed The Book Ninja, and I wasn't sure that While You Were Reading would be able to live up to the first book by Ali Berg and Michelle Baus, but I'm very pleased to be wrong. I've added them both to my must-read author list, and will be keeping a keen eye out for their next novel.
* This eBook ARC was provided by Simon & Schuster (Australia) through NetGalley for an honest review.
Full of bookish references, and plenty of Melbourne haunts, there's lots to love including very relatable bookworm Bea, who is trying to rebuild her life after moving to Melbourne for a fresh start. Picking up a second hand book at a local bookstore, she falls in love with the handwritten annotations in the margins, and begins a quest to hunt down the author. Finding herself in a job she hates, lacking in friends, she turns to the local Barista Dino for motivation and moral support, who supplies her apt handwritten bookish quotes on her daily coffee cups.
I absolutely enjoyed The Book Ninja, and I wasn't sure that While You Were Reading would be able to live up to the first book by Ali Berg and Michelle Baus, but I'm very pleased to be wrong. I've added them both to my must-read author list, and will be keeping a keen eye out for their next novel.
* This eBook ARC was provided by Simon & Schuster (Australia) through NetGalley for an honest review.
emilyfrizz's review against another edition
4.0
A really enjoyable, feel-good novel - with plenty of bookworminess to share around. A celebration of reading and friendships in odd places, all set in a particularly Australian setting :)
munchkinator's review against another edition
2.0
I felt that this book was quite predictable. There were a number of characters introduced and I didn't find myself 'falling in love' with them or really getting to know enough about them for me to care about their individual stories. It was a quick and easy read but the journey to the ending was not engaging enough for me. I do however think that this will be super popular at the age group it is targeted for.