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bethanyangharads's reviews
662 reviews
Indulgence In Death /Fantasy In Death / Kindred In Death / Promises In Death by J.D. Robb
4.0
Nice easy enjoyable books to read. Perfect balance between the crime story line and the romance.
The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
5.0
Okay, this book had always been on my to read list, yet I always put it off because well it scared me. I was scared that it would be way to factual and list of events like, for me to enjoy. But I bit the bullet, and I am so happy that I did. The novel became one that I couldn't put down, and when I did finish it I had a lot to reflect about. It definitely gives an inside perspective on what people went through during those terrible times, and I am so happy I can tick this book off :)
The Life and Loves of a He Devil by Graham Norton
4.0
I quite enjoyed this because it was funny and witty and gave me a lovely insight to his life. It also makes a lot of sense when related to his show, i.e. why he always has wine at the table ;) loved it
The Book of Fame by Lloyd Jones
2.0
Okay, so the stars are only 2/5 but hear me out. I HAD to read this book as part of my University English course. I don't want to knock the author, I think he did a rad job, but the subject itself just does not interest me. I'm sure if you enjoyed rugby, you would enjoy this.
Vathek by William Beckford
3.0
Another book for University, and I feel whenever I read a book for University it's a chore. However, yeah still didn't really get it. It was interesting and the concepts were unique, I just think it was a bit jumpy from scene to scene and that's where I lost the flow of what was happening ... hence getting confused and hence not really getting it. Once I got to the end, the rest of the book made a bit more sense. Just wish I could follow the plot a bit better. But in saying that, my not-understanding could be due to not knowing much background of the characters culture.
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
3.0
First impressions are that I liked it, and I was surprised that I liked it. The main character, Margaret Hale, is displaced from her home village of Helstone to the manufacturing city of Milton. Here, she befriends some of the factory workers, as well as the more upperclass Mr Thornton and others. It is a romance novel, whilst also challenging peoples rights and other social issues. This mix lead to an interesting read.
Now, no spoilers I promise, but all I am going to say was that the ending ... oh I was so unsatisfied. Especially when I learnt that Gaskell originally published this in a magazine, so it was split into parts. When it was going into publish it as a novel, she went back and expanded on parts. The parts she did expand on seemed semi useless to the plot, whereas the ending could have been beefed out to better conclude the romantic tension that had built up over the course of the novel.
Overall I did enjoy the novel, it was just when I closed that back cover I said to myself, "is that it?"
Now, no spoilers I promise, but all I am going to say was that the ending ... oh I was so unsatisfied. Especially when I learnt that Gaskell originally published this in a magazine, so it was split into parts. When it was going into publish it as a novel, she went back and expanded on parts. The parts she did expand on seemed semi useless to the plot, whereas the ending could have been beefed out to better conclude the romantic tension that had built up over the course of the novel.
Overall I did enjoy the novel, it was just when I closed that back cover I said to myself, "is that it?"
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz
4.0
The one book this semester at University that actually didn't bore me.
Diaz has produced a really good novel tackling subjects of political regimes, sexual abuse, family, diasporas and what it means to be in love (just to name a few). As you flip through these pages you get to experience life and all its hardships through different character's backgrounds. If you're looking for a light hearted book then this probably isn't quite for you. But, if you want to close the back cover of a novel and be left with multiple thoughts churning around in your head, then this is the one.
Diaz has produced a really good novel tackling subjects of political regimes, sexual abuse, family, diasporas and what it means to be in love (just to name a few). As you flip through these pages you get to experience life and all its hardships through different character's backgrounds. If you're looking for a light hearted book then this probably isn't quite for you. But, if you want to close the back cover of a novel and be left with multiple thoughts churning around in your head, then this is the one.