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bookbeforeuleap's reviews
734 reviews
Eddie Winston Is Looking for Love by Marianne Cronin
funny
lighthearted
5.0
This is the story of 90-year-old Eddie who works in a charity shop, saves mementoes from destruction, owns a hamster called Pushkin and oh yes, has never been kissed. He happens to meet 24-year-old Bella when she is donating items and the two strike up an unlikely friendship.
Oh how I loved Eddie Winston, what a charming gentleman. It is no secret that I love a tale with an intergenerational friendship and that I adored this authors debut, so I had no fears that I was going to enjoy this book, but I did not expect the huge smile on my face through my time with Eddie. The conversations between him and everyone he meets are witty, engaging, and respectful. Eddie’s internal monologue and observations are hilarious, and I couldn't help but laugh out loud on several occasions.
I also loved the other prominent characters in this book such as Bella, Marjie, Emmeline, Ham & Cheese and not forgetting Bridie, they all add a unique perspective into Eddies 90 years and were a perfect blend to compliment such a fantastic character.
Oh how I loved Eddie Winston, what a charming gentleman. It is no secret that I love a tale with an intergenerational friendship and that I adored this authors debut, so I had no fears that I was going to enjoy this book, but I did not expect the huge smile on my face through my time with Eddie. The conversations between him and everyone he meets are witty, engaging, and respectful. Eddie’s internal monologue and observations are hilarious, and I couldn't help but laugh out loud on several occasions.
I also loved the other prominent characters in this book such as Bella, Marjie, Emmeline, Ham & Cheese and not forgetting Bridie, they all add a unique perspective into Eddies 90 years and were a perfect blend to compliment such a fantastic character.
Profile K by Helen Sarah Fields
challenging
dark
tense
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
4.5
This was a great thriller, every reveal had my mind spinning to think of possible connections and outcomes, a few of which I managed to get right!
I found the look into AI and thoughts around what it is capable of and what large Biotech companies could be using this technology for really interesting (and rather frightening!) It was also good to hear from Connie Woolwine again (character from the authors pervious books) and think this sets up a new investigative team up nicely for future crime solving.
The only story line that I didn't fully buy into/felt a bit rushed was that of DI Ruskin. I don't know whether that is just because I am use to the authors previous incorruptible detectives but it just did not seem to tie with the character arc that had been built with him although I do understand that it was demonstrating the reach the company had and that everyone has a price.
This book, like most of the authors work, has particularly descriptive and gory scenes of the murders so bare that in mind when picking it up.
I found the look into AI and thoughts around what it is capable of and what large Biotech companies could be using this technology for really interesting (and rather frightening!) It was also good to hear from Connie Woolwine again (character from the authors pervious books) and think this sets up a new investigative team up nicely for future crime solving.
The only story line that I didn't fully buy into/felt a bit rushed was that of DI Ruskin. I don't know whether that is just because I am use to the authors previous incorruptible detectives but it just did not seem to tie with the character arc that had been built with him although I do understand that it was demonstrating the reach the company had and that everyone has a price.
This book, like most of the authors work, has particularly descriptive and gory scenes of the murders so bare that in mind when picking it up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Murder, Gore, and Torture
Moderate: Forced institutionalization and Stalking
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
Espedair Street by Iain Banks
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
2.0
How I Won A Nobel Prize by Julius Taranto
reflective
slow-paced
3.5
Helen is a brilliant physics student and with her mentor she is close to making a breakthrough that would decelerate climate change but then he gets sent to a university where disgraced public figures are exiled after doing something unforgivable in the public eye. The only way to continue her research is to follow him into exile.
How I won a Nobel prize is a thought-provoking and humorous exploration of 'cancel culture', moral complexity, the price of progress, and what it means to be a good person. I think the themes discussed in this would make for a brilliant book club discussion.
The audiobook is really well narrated and definitely adds a layer to the story.
How I won a Nobel prize is a thought-provoking and humorous exploration of 'cancel culture', moral complexity, the price of progress, and what it means to be a good person. I think the themes discussed in this would make for a brilliant book club discussion.
The audiobook is really well narrated and definitely adds a layer to the story.