billyraymcevoy's reviews
98 reviews

When We Were Birds by Ayanna Lloyd Banwo

emotional mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I wasn't amazed by the plot by I liked the characters and the way the book was written is new to me, superb!

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

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

5.0

Hugh Grant is good as the narrator for this book. It is well written and is a timeless classic.

The Patchwork Girl of Oz by L. Frank Baum

adventurous lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

The Odyssey by Homer, Homer

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This is a truly epic story and narrated wonderfully by Claire Danes. I would advise not to skip the introduction or the translation notes or, at the least, listen to it after the book - they are both so interesting and I listened to all of it.
 I really enjoyed the story and the way it was written. Surprisingly it does not feel old and tedious like some classic literature. The more I listened the more memories came back from learning this story in primary school for a play/musical. Learnt a lot about ancient Greek culture. Also, there is a lot of feasts. 

Axiom's End by Lindsay Ellis

adventurous mysterious reflective fast-paced

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

4.0

The true theme of the story seems to be about human connection and how it can also transcend our selves. Ampersand is a fun character and his interactions with Kora are interesting. I enjoyed the book and found it paced well. 

Silence Is Goldfish by Annabel Pitcher

emotional reflective slow-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

3.0

It was a pretty good read. Slow paced and easy, so good before bed. The goldfish got weird at the end, he stuck around for too long.

The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

It was okay. I found it quite long and oddly paced and didn't expect the different stories. Found myself getting bored. 

Ayoade on Ayoade: A Cinematic Odyssey by Richard Ayoade
Did not finish book.

Got to interview five but just didn't find the concept very funny after a while.

Aftermath by Cara Dee

dark emotional 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? No

2.0

It was okay. More sex than psychological stuff or interesting story telling, unfortunately. 

The Grip of Film by Richard Ayoade
Did not finish book.

Got to the chapter called "Ass".
Not sure if it's supposed to be funny but the book is just cringey and feels like a bullet point list...