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a_bookish_discovery's reviews
303 reviews
The Princess and the Fangirl by Ashley Poston
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
All About Mia by Lisa Williamson
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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
Leather and Lace by Lydia Westing
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
4.0
The book is written from 3 different perspectives. The constant changing from one perspective to the next makes it difficult to follow if you're a casual reader who only reads a few pages at a time. However, it gives the advantage of being able to see how each of the three characters is interpreting the events. The book also jumps back and forth in time and so it is important to make note of the date at the start of the section in order to avoid confusion.
The book itself is well written with simplistic vocabulary and the plot is well thought out. On the other hand, I feel as though it could have been slightly shorter, as some chapters tend to repeat themselves slightly. Though the repetition aids in the building of Rachel's characters memory reconstruction, it also puts a temporary block in the story line.
Overall, the story-line is gripping and the ending (though somewhat predictable after the midway point in the novel) in my opinion is the best part of the book. I almost wish there had been more focus on the ending section than the police investigation.
I feel this is a good book for someone who wants a novel they can pick up and finish in a night or for someone with a good level of concentration (i.e. it is not a good book to read as a distraction from racing thoughts). Ideal for a holiday read whilst sunbathing etc.
The book itself is well written with simplistic vocabulary and the plot is well thought out. On the other hand, I feel as though it could have been slightly shorter, as some chapters tend to repeat themselves slightly. Though the repetition aids in the building of Rachel's characters memory reconstruction, it also puts a temporary block in the story line.
Overall, the story-line is gripping and the ending (though somewhat predictable after the midway point in the novel) in my opinion is the best part of the book. I almost wish there had been more focus on the ending section than the police investigation.
I feel this is a good book for someone who wants a novel they can pick up and finish in a night or for someone with a good level of concentration (i.e. it is not a good book to read as a distraction from racing thoughts). Ideal for a holiday read whilst sunbathing etc.
Going Solo by Zoe Sugg
5.0
I think it was fate that drew me to pick up this book today. I've been going through a rough time with anxiety and my best friend being missing. This book felt like a warm safety blanket. A reassurance that everything will be ok no matter what happens next.
It is refreshing to see so much of Zoe's personality put into the book. Her own struggles are wound into the story and the real-life setting of well known places in Brighton and London give the book a homely feel to anyone who lives in England. It is well written in simplistic language with inserts of blog posts that break the story up so that it is not a heavy read.
This book is great for people who are just getting into reading or want a light read to add to their night-time routine. It is also great for anyone who is feeling a little lost in who they are and where they are heading in life.
There are two previous books in the series that would be beneficial to read before diving into this novel but are not entirely necessary to enjoy and follow along with the plot-line. However, I highly recommend the whole series!!
It is refreshing to see so much of Zoe's personality put into the book. Her own struggles are wound into the story and the real-life setting of well known places in Brighton and London give the book a homely feel to anyone who lives in England. It is well written in simplistic language with inserts of blog posts that break the story up so that it is not a heavy read.
This book is great for people who are just getting into reading or want a light read to add to their night-time routine. It is also great for anyone who is feeling a little lost in who they are and where they are heading in life.
There are two previous books in the series that would be beneficial to read before diving into this novel but are not entirely necessary to enjoy and follow along with the plot-line. However, I highly recommend the whole series!!
How to Commit the Perfect Murder: Forensic Science Analyzed by David Elio Malocco
2.0
The book itself is not well written. There are many spelling and grammar errors. Also it is clear that the author is trying to hard to make light of a serious topic, and that he has a strange obsession with 'Dr Death'. Additionally, the chapter on Legal rights is extremely difficult to follow and understand.
However, the book provides a simplistic overview of some of the different job roles within Forensics that may be useful if you are thinking of a career in this field but do not know what different career pathways are available to you. Also, the book draws upon the occasional case study and TV programme to enable the reader to connect the factual information with 'real-life' well known stories.
Overall, I think the concept of the book and the length are great. However, it does not stand out as a 'must read' book.
However, the book provides a simplistic overview of some of the different job roles within Forensics that may be useful if you are thinking of a career in this field but do not know what different career pathways are available to you. Also, the book draws upon the occasional case study and TV programme to enable the reader to connect the factual information with 'real-life' well known stories.
Overall, I think the concept of the book and the length are great. However, it does not stand out as a 'must read' book.
An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
3.0
Through the first two chapters I thought that this would not be a book that I would enjoy. It reminded me a lot of 'Looking for Alaska by John Green' in which the main character is a genius and there are side annotations to explain some of the concepts, mentioned in the storyline, in greater detail.
However, from about a quarter of the way into the book, I felt I couldn't put it down and finished reading within a day.
I think it's definitely a book worth reading if you find yourself stuck on what to read next. John Green is a talented author and his mathematic friend means that the book is both a great fictional novel and educational simultaneously.
However, from about a quarter of the way into the book, I felt I couldn't put it down and finished reading within a day.
I think it's definitely a book worth reading if you find yourself stuck on what to read next. John Green is a talented author and his mathematic friend means that the book is both a great fictional novel and educational simultaneously.
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
2.0
It's a good short book and the storyline is easy to follow.
The book is written completely in slang so it may not be easy reading for everyone. However, it is one of those classic books that are worth reading once.
I feel like if the book had been slightly longer, I may have connected with the characters more.
The book is written completely in slang so it may not be easy reading for everyone. However, it is one of those classic books that are worth reading once.
I feel like if the book had been slightly longer, I may have connected with the characters more.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
4.0
I loved parts of the storyline and the fact that the entire novel was written from a child's perspective. I found it interesting to see a child's point of view of a criminal trials and the social hierarchy.
The book talks about some difficult topics such as murder, rape, addiction and racism. It is not suitable for young readers and anyone who may be triggered easily. However, it is a classic book that is worth reading by anyone.
The book talks about some difficult topics such as murder, rape, addiction and racism. It is not suitable for young readers and anyone who may be triggered easily. However, it is a classic book that is worth reading by anyone.