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bhprice's reviews
128 reviews
Pathogenesis: A History of the World in Eight Plagues by Jonathan Kennedy
informative
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
Delilah Green Doesn't Care by Ashley Herring Blake
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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
3.5
Redwood Court by DéLana R.A. Dameron
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast Is Me by Jamison Shea
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
What kept me engaged were the dynamics within the protagonist's extended family, particularly her relationship with her mother. As someone with personal experiences of dealing with narcissistic family members, the author did an excellent job portraying the complexities of such familial relationships. The depiction of the facade of happiness in public contrasted with the silent battles behind closed doors resonated strongly with my own experiences, sparking a personal connection to the story.
The portrayal of Harris Sinclair and the power dynamics within the family struck a chord, as it reminded me of the destructive impact such behavior can have on family bonds. The underlying tension and the author's ability to capture the nuances of familial conflict fueled my curiosity to see how the narrative would unfold.
The unexpected plot twists in the latter part of the book were a pleasant surprise, catching me off guard and adding emotional depth to the story. The ending, however, left me with a sense of disappointment. While I appreciate that the conclusion might be a personal preference, I had hoped for a more triumphant resolution for the characters, mirroring the closure I've yearned for in my own life.
The exploration of the special solidarity between cousins, who choose to defy the dysfunctional family dynamics, resonated deeply with me. The emotional impact of their choices was palpable, and I could empathize with the characters' struggles and grief.
In conclusion, "We Were Liars" is a novel that effectively captures the intricacies of family relationships and the hidden struggles beneath the surface. Despite some pacing issues and a personally unsatisfying ending, the author's portrayal of familial complexities and the unexpected twists in the plot make it a worthwhile read for those who appreciate a mix of mystery and family drama.
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
"We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart is a novel that left me with mixed feelings, earning it a 3.5-star rating. The beginning of the book, unfortunately, felt a bit sluggish and slow-paced for my liking. The mystery surrounding the main character's ailment was intriguing, but the narrative seemed to drag on in the initial half.
What kept me engaged were the dynamics within the protagonist's extended family, particularly her relationship with her mother. As someone with personal experiences of dealing with narcissistic family members, the author did an excellent job portraying the complexities of such familial relationships. The depiction of the facade of happiness in public contrasted with the silent battles behind closed doors resonated strongly with my own experiences, sparking a personal connection to the story.
The portrayal of Harris Sinclair and the power dynamics within the family struck a chord, as it reminded me of the destructive impact such behavior can have on family bonds. The underlying tension and the author's ability to capture the nuances of familial conflict fueled my curiosity to see how the narrative would unfold.
The unexpected plot twists in the latter part of the book were a pleasant surprise, catching me off guard and adding emotional depth to the story. The ending, however, left me with a sense of disappointment. While I appreciate that the conclusion might be a personal preference, I had hoped for a more triumphant resolution for the characters, mirroring the closure I've yearned for in my own life.
The exploration of the special solidarity between cousins, who choose to defy the dysfunctional family dynamics, resonated deeply with me. The emotional impact of their choices was palpable, and I could empathize with the characters' struggles and grief.
In conclusion, "We Were Liars" is a novel that effectively captures the intricacies of family relationships and the hidden struggles beneath the surface. Despite some pacing issues and a personally unsatisfying ending, the author's portrayal of familial complexities and the unexpected twists in the plot make it a worthwhile read for those who appreciate a mix of mystery and family drama.
The Cerulean by Amy Ewing
While the prospect of a sequel is exciting, there's a lingering feeling that the first and second books could have been seamlessly combined. The narrative doesn't necessarily require excessive exposition, and some sections felt like they were included to meet a word count rather than to advance the plot.
In conclusion, "The Cerulean" sets the stage for an intriguing saga, with room for improvement in world-building and pacing. With high hopes for the sequel, readers may find the combined narrative of both books to be a more satisfying and cohesive experience.
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
"The Cerulean" by Amy Ewing offers a captivating tale with commendable character development and a promising world. The narrative unfolds with a good pace, and the relationships, particularly between Sera and Leela, are a highlight, creating a sense of camaraderie that readers can appreciate.
The strength of the characters and their growth is evident, and the potential for a richly developed world is apparent. However, the world-building felt somewhat lacking, leaving readers craving a deeper understanding of the religious aspects that play a significant role in the story. The intentional vagueness about the history of the City in the Sky creates a sense of mystery, but it also leaves gaps in understanding that could have been filled to enhance the overall experience.
As the story progresses, the anticipation builds towards the end, where major tension and intriguing plot points emerge. It's this last quarter of the book that truly grabs the reader's attention, making it clear that the real substance lies in the latter part. The earlier portions of the book, while not without merit, could have been more succinctly summarized to maintain a consistently engaging pace.
While the prospect of a sequel is exciting, there's a lingering feeling that the first and second books could have been seamlessly combined. The narrative doesn't necessarily require excessive exposition, and some sections felt like they were included to meet a word count rather than to advance the plot.
Despite these observations, the potential for an enthralling continuation is undeniable. The hints of an uprising and the mysterious developments with Sera's purple mother and Leo and Agnes meeting their grandmother promise an engaging second installment. If the sequel delivers on the potential established in this book, it could elevate the overall experience, making the series a cohesive and compelling read.
In conclusion, "The Cerulean" sets the stage for an intriguing saga, with room for improvement in world-building and pacing. With high hopes for the sequel, readers may find the combined narrative of both books to be a more satisfying and cohesive experience.
Somewhere In The Orange Groves by Savannah Schmidt
While touted as a standalone, this book fails to deliver on character development, maintaining a disappointingly flat tone throughout. The emotional range of the characters seems restricted, resembling sea cucumbers in their depth. Real relationships are messy and intricate, but the conflicts presented in the story are mere spats that are conveniently resolved, lacking the realism one anticipates in a love story.
In the end, 'Somewhere in the Orange Groves' offers a quick but unsatisfying romantic journey. The rushed pacing, lack of character depth, and absence of genuine conflict leave the reader yearning for a more nuanced and authentic portrayal of love and relationships."
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
2.0
A Swift But Shallow Journey: "Somewhere in the Orange Groves" by Savannah Schmidt
Rating: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
"Savannah Schmidt's 'Somewhere in the Orange Groves' offers a breezy read that I was able to complete in a single day. However, the speed at which the story unfolds becomes both its strength and its weakness.
The main characters, despite being at the center of the narrative, lack the depth and chemistry one would expect in a romance novel. Their sudden and almost implausible descent into love within a span of days feels more like a rushed plot point than an authentic connection. The lack of banter between them leaves the reader craving for substance, turning what should be a romantic exploration into a hasty affair.
While touted as a standalone, this book fails to deliver on character development, maintaining a disappointingly flat tone throughout. The emotional range of the characters seems restricted, resembling sea cucumbers in their depth. Real relationships are messy and intricate, but the conflicts presented in the story are mere spats that are conveniently resolved, lacking the realism one anticipates in a love story.
The concluding moments, which should have been emotionally charged, fell flat due to the insufficient connection established with the characters. The narrative lacked the necessary build-up for readers to truly invest in the protagonists, leaving the ending devoid of the impact it could have had.
Furthermore, the incessant repetition of certain information becomes tiresome, as if the author is overemphasizing key points that the reader has already grasped. A more subtle approach to storytelling would have allowed the audience to engage with the narrative without feeling patronized.
The timeline of the book could benefit from a closer examination. Front-loading information about a character in the latter half of the story, as was done with Connor, limits the potential for genuine character development. Similarly, Iris remains a mystery, with the reader left wanting a more comprehensive understanding of her personality.
In the end, 'Somewhere in the Orange Groves' offers a quick but unsatisfying romantic journey. The rushed pacing, lack of character depth, and absence of genuine conflict leave the reader yearning for a more nuanced and authentic portrayal of love and relationships."
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Title: A Mixed Bag of Emotions in "One Italian Summer"
⭐️⭐️⭐️
"One Italian Summer" by Rebecca Serle took me on a journey that was both unexpected and thought-provoking. Initially drawn to the book in hopes of experiencing the vibrant and lively atmosphere of Italy, I found myself immersed in a narrative centered around mourning, grief, and self-discovery.
The author skillfully delves into the complexities of dealing with loss and questioning one's identity, which resonated with me on a personal level due to recent family deaths. The protagonist's desire for a blank slate and the exploration of what could have been were poignant and thoughtfully articulated. Despite my initial craving for an escape, I found solace in the relatability of these themes.
However, the narrative's time-travel element left me perplexed. The seamless transitions between past and present lacked a clear explanation, leaving me yearning for a more substantial connection between the two timelines. Meeting the protagonist's mother in her 30s and imparting advice that alters the future felt like a deviation from the rules of time, creating a significant inconsistency in the plot.
On a literary note, the audiobook experience was marred by a narration style that compelled me to increase the playback speed. The pacing issue made the book feel longer than necessary, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the story.
In summary, "One Italian Summer" delivers a mix of emotional depth and confusion. While the exploration of grief and self-discovery resonated with me, the time-travel aspect and narration quirks left me wanting a more cohesive and immersive reading experience.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
"One Italian Summer" by Rebecca Serle took me on a journey that was both unexpected and thought-provoking. Initially drawn to the book in hopes of experiencing the vibrant and lively atmosphere of Italy, I found myself immersed in a narrative centered around mourning, grief, and self-discovery.
The author skillfully delves into the complexities of dealing with loss and questioning one's identity, which resonated with me on a personal level due to recent family deaths. The protagonist's desire for a blank slate and the exploration of what could have been were poignant and thoughtfully articulated. Despite my initial craving for an escape, I found solace in the relatability of these themes.
However, the narrative's time-travel element left me perplexed. The seamless transitions between past and present lacked a clear explanation, leaving me yearning for a more substantial connection between the two timelines. Meeting the protagonist's mother in her 30s and imparting advice that alters the future felt like a deviation from the rules of time, creating a significant inconsistency in the plot.
On a literary note, the audiobook experience was marred by a narration style that compelled me to increase the playback speed. The pacing issue made the book feel longer than necessary, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the story.
In summary, "One Italian Summer" delivers a mix of emotional depth and confusion. While the exploration of grief and self-discovery resonated with me, the time-travel aspect and narration quirks left me wanting a more cohesive and immersive reading experience.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I recently immersed myself in the world of "Lessons in Chemistry," a compelling novel that expertly blends feminist perspectives with the struggles of motherhood and grief. Despite grappling with a somewhat grating character in Elizabeth Zott, the book delivers a powerful narrative that resonates on multiple levels.
The exploration of the challenges of becoming a mom struck a chord with me, as I navigated the chaotic journey of motherhood myself. The portrayal of those moments when it feels like you're on the verge of losing your sanity was both relatable and reassuring. Seeing a character like Elizabeth mirror those experiences made me feel that the rollercoaster of emotions was, in fact, a shared journey.
While the chemical discussions may have felt forced and occasionally outlandish, I chose to overlook them, considering my limited knowledge of chemistry. The author's decision to weave these elements into the narrative might have been an attempt to add depth, even if it didn't always hit the mark for me. Nevertheless, the overarching message and themes were impactful.
The book doesn't shy away from addressing women working against their own interests or succumbing to patriarchal norms. It thrusts these issues into the spotlight, presenting them in an unapologetically "in your face" manner. The notion that men must play a crucial role in dismantling misogyny is exemplified through characters like Mr. Pine, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in the fight for gender equality.
What truly made "Lessons in Chemistry" inspiring was the depiction of positive change and the rallying of women against the adversities they faced. Despite setbacks and the red tape, the characters underwent significant transformations, illustrating the resilience and power of women united in their pursuit of a rightful place in society.
In summary, "Lessons in Chemistry" serves as a poignant reminder of the battles women face, both internal and external. It's a celebration of solidarity, resilience, and the courage to challenge societal norms. While it may not introduce groundbreaking concepts, the narrative's in-your-face approach and the portrayal of women fighting for their space make it a worthwhile and empowering read.
The exploration of the challenges of becoming a mom struck a chord with me, as I navigated the chaotic journey of motherhood myself. The portrayal of those moments when it feels like you're on the verge of losing your sanity was both relatable and reassuring. Seeing a character like Elizabeth mirror those experiences made me feel that the rollercoaster of emotions was, in fact, a shared journey.
While the chemical discussions may have felt forced and occasionally outlandish, I chose to overlook them, considering my limited knowledge of chemistry. The author's decision to weave these elements into the narrative might have been an attempt to add depth, even if it didn't always hit the mark for me. Nevertheless, the overarching message and themes were impactful.
The book doesn't shy away from addressing women working against their own interests or succumbing to patriarchal norms. It thrusts these issues into the spotlight, presenting them in an unapologetically "in your face" manner. The notion that men must play a crucial role in dismantling misogyny is exemplified through characters like Mr. Pine, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in the fight for gender equality.
What truly made "Lessons in Chemistry" inspiring was the depiction of positive change and the rallying of women against the adversities they faced. Despite setbacks and the red tape, the characters underwent significant transformations, illustrating the resilience and power of women united in their pursuit of a rightful place in society.
In summary, "Lessons in Chemistry" serves as a poignant reminder of the battles women face, both internal and external. It's a celebration of solidarity, resilience, and the courage to challenge societal norms. While it may not introduce groundbreaking concepts, the narrative's in-your-face approach and the portrayal of women fighting for their space make it a worthwhile and empowering read.