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banana_hutch's reviews
371 reviews
Lemony Snicket: The Unauthorized Autobiography by Lemony Snicket
3.5
Just as charmingly written as "A Series of Unfortunate Events", this so-called autobiography is more of an extension of the intrigue and mysteries you unravel in his books, and that makes it all the more fun to read. Quotes from other books, old photographs, and bizarre tie-ins to questions the series left unanswered make this book more like a game than anything else.
His writing is easily accessible to both children and adults, and this book is an absolute must-read for anyone who enjoyed his series.
His writing is easily accessible to both children and adults, and this book is an absolute must-read for anyone who enjoyed his series.
Guests on Earth by Lee Smith
3.0
I was really looking forward to reading this one, and for the most part was not disappointed. I loved Smith's storytelling style and very much enjoyed experiencing the story through Evalina's voice.
The book is a work of fiction, though the story is woven through actual historical events, which, when done well, is fascinating. It was also interesting to read a story told from the point of view of someone regarded as "mentally ill", which admittedly could mean any number of things in the time period that this takes place.
Overall it is quite a sad little tale, but it has truly heartwarming moments. Evalina's story is tumultuous and unnerving at times, and exciting and comforting at others.
My one complaint (the reason for "liking" the book instead of "loving" the book) is that the plot seemed to unravel a bit at the end -- the reader feels less connected to Evalina as new characters are introduced, and adult Evalina is a less engaging narrator than child Evalina. Additionally, I was very aware of needlessly repeated words throughout the book, which grated on me. If this is something you tend to notice in books, here's a heads up - the people at the hospital love to "sing lustily".
The book is a work of fiction, though the story is woven through actual historical events, which, when done well, is fascinating. It was also interesting to read a story told from the point of view of someone regarded as "mentally ill", which admittedly could mean any number of things in the time period that this takes place.
Overall it is quite a sad little tale, but it has truly heartwarming moments. Evalina's story is tumultuous and unnerving at times, and exciting and comforting at others.
My one complaint (the reason for "liking" the book instead of "loving" the book) is that the plot seemed to unravel a bit at the end -- the reader feels less connected to Evalina as new characters are introduced, and adult Evalina is a less engaging narrator than child Evalina. Additionally, I was very aware of needlessly repeated words throughout the book, which grated on me. If this is something you tend to notice in books, here's a heads up - the people at the hospital love to "sing lustily".
Sourdough by Robin Sloan
4.0
Really enjoyed this one. A woman who works at a tech company in San Francisco finds new meaning in her repetitive, lonely life when two European brothers/restaurant owners leave the country suddenly and leave their sourdough starter with her for safekeeping.