alicia_simons's reviews
381 reviews

Timeline by Michael Crichton

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

I loved this! I appreciate how much Crichton researched both the science and the historical elements of this book. His dedication to the details is what made this such a phenomenal read. 

Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson

lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.5

This was so much fun to read! It was mysterious and thrilling and funny. The story is told in such a unique way and I loved all the nods at classic mystery/thriller novels. 

The September House by Carissa Orlando

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

5.0

This was so good. I loved every second of it and I am in awe of how well written it is. This is everything I had been wanting in a haunted house horror book. 

None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. It was a wild ride and anyone who enjoys true crime podcasts would enjoy this book. 

Starter Villain by John Scalzi

adventurous funny fast-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

I loved this so much! I thought the concept was nothing like I had seen before and I didn’t see the end coming. It was funny and action packed and a grand time overall. 

Love, Pamela by Pamela Anderson

reflective medium-paced

4.0

I was completely fascinated with Pamela’s story. She went through so much and has maintained a sense of who she is throughout it all. Her activism is inspiring and I hope people can see past what she is most well known for and see the incredible person she is. 

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

This is an incredible and heartbreaking story set in France during World War II. I loved that it was a World War II story that wasn’t from the perspective of England, the United States or Germany. The story itself was emotional and felt real and raw. This is one of the best historical fictions I have read hands down and I can’t wait to pick up more of Kristin Hannah’s work. 

Pathogenesis: A History of the World in Eight Plagues by Jonathan Kennedy

informative medium-paced

I learned quite a bit about history and diseases in this book. I had no idea how many wars came to an end due to diseases or how much disease affected dominant religions. 

Counting the Cost by Jill Duggar

medium-paced

4.0

This was hard to listen to at times. Jill’s story is sad but also inspiring and shows how strong she is to be willing to work through everything she went through. 

The Villa by Rachel Hawkins

mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I enjoyed this one by Rachel Hawkins much more than Reckless Girls. The Villa was such a quick, easy to read thriller that I didn’t want to put down. However, I thought the ending wasn’t as good as it could have been and I felt like it was lacking after the rest of the book. I also thought that the ending for the past timeline was more solid than that of the current timeline. Overall I had a good time reading this and it has convinced me to pick up her most recent release.