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3.52 AVERAGE
3.52 AVERAGE
Easily the best book I’ve read this year so far. Highly entertaining! I don’t normally read thrillers, but I had to because of Dolly. It was light enough for me to rip through quickly and I really enjoyed the characters. Such a good read! There isn’t anything Dolly can’t do!
I'm not the biggest James Patterson (at least, not anymore), but I love Dolly Parton, and I thought this was a really fun read. I received a free digital copy in exchange for my honest review, but since I received this after the book was published, I ended up listening to the audiobook. The audiobook is fantastic, and I highly recommend listening to this one. Dolly Parton reads the part of of Ruthanna, which I loved. My only disappointment in the audiobook is that I was hoping that when there were lyrics that the voice actors, especially Dolly Parton, would sing the lyrics rather than just reading them. That being said, I plan on listening to the album- Dolly Parton sings all the songs from the book, which I am very excited about.
This book is a bit different than most Patterson books- it was about 60% AnnieLee Keyes' journey to becoming a country singer, 30% mystery/thriller, and 10% romance. I enjoyed it though, and it's definitely a quick read. Ruthanna was definitely my favorite character, a good chunk because Dolly Parton read her (and the character is obviously based on her). She really gave an extra something to the character that made her more entertaining.
This book is a bit different than most Patterson books- it was about 60% AnnieLee Keyes' journey to becoming a country singer, 30% mystery/thriller, and 10% romance. I enjoyed it though, and it's definitely a quick read. Ruthanna was definitely my favorite character, a good chunk because Dolly Parton read her (and the character is obviously based on her). She really gave an extra something to the character that made her more entertaining.
dark
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-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:
Yes
I listened to this as an audiobook – and I think it’s the only reason I finished it. I’ve never really been interested in James Patterson novels, so this was the first one I’ve ever read. The only reason I chose it is because Dolly Parton wrote and narrated part of it (who doesn’t love Dolly??).
The novel felt like a really drawn out Cinderella story with a bit of action sprinkled in. I was irritated with the main character so many times – her refusal to share anything about her backstory especially. I think the point of that was to build suspense for the ending, but the ending was so lackluster. I don’t want to give away anything, but what she was running from, while terrible for anyone to experience, just didn’t come across so thrilling. Maybe it was the way it was written, I’m not sure. But it concluded so quickly all I could think of was “that’s it? That’s what I waited 10 hours for?”.
I wasn’t a fan of the repetitiveness of a lot of it either – constantly saying she hated being called “little” as if it had a real purpose at the end, yet writing about her small hands, small frame, etc. so often. We get it, she’s small and she hates being called small. I also didn’t care for the same lyrics injected repeatedly throughout.
I’d give it 2.5 stars, but the extra half star in the rating is for Dolly Parton’s narration.
The novel felt like a really drawn out Cinderella story with a bit of action sprinkled in. I was irritated with the main character so many times – her refusal to share anything about her backstory especially. I think the point of that was to build suspense for the ending, but the ending was so lackluster. I don’t want to give away anything, but what she was running from, while terrible for anyone to experience, just didn’t come across so thrilling. Maybe it was the way it was written, I’m not sure. But it concluded so quickly all I could think of was “that’s it? That’s what I waited 10 hours for?”.
I wasn’t a fan of the repetitiveness of a lot of it either – constantly saying she hated being called “little” as if it had a real purpose at the end, yet writing about her small hands, small frame, etc. so often. We get it, she’s small and she hates being called small. I also didn’t care for the same lyrics injected repeatedly throughout.
I’d give it 2.5 stars, but the extra half star in the rating is for Dolly Parton’s narration.
fast-paced
2.75/5 an underwhelming ending and sort of a long book. I liked the audio version with dolly though.
3.5 stars… My shameless love for Dolly Parton meant I really enjoyed this book.
The character of Ruthanna Ryder is essentially a fictionalised Dolly. What’s not to love?
It was an easy read - but if you don’t love Dolly like I do, I can’t imagine you’ll enjoy this. I’m not sure I actually enjoyed it.
The character of Ruthanna Ryder is essentially a fictionalised Dolly. What’s not to love?
It was an easy read - but if you don’t love Dolly like I do, I can’t imagine you’ll enjoy this. I’m not sure I actually enjoyed it.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Dolly, I love ya, but this is shocking. 😂 No depth, super predictable, unlikeable characters.... Not much positive to say tbh!
It's Dolly Parton, I had to read it! Just imagine what a thriller book by Dolly would look like, and you'll probably guess the general idea of this book, but that's why we love her so much. I was very engaged in the story and interested to see where it would go, and I will say I didn't find the book to be much of a thriller! Overall, I would suggest that anyone who is interested in this book listens to the audiobook, the narrators are truly committed to the story, Dolly Parton herself included!