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court_of_stars's reviews
598 reviews
Fast Women by Jennifer Crusie
3.0
"Fast Women" is my third Jennifer Crusie novel. It was about 150 pages longer than any of her other books I have read. I was initially pulled in due to the mystery and allure of a person working for a detective agency (probably due to my love of Veronica Mars).
Crusie is well known for her "Chick Lit" style, but there seemed to be more to "Fast Women". Chick Lit + Mystery? Unfortunately for me, they both fell flat and left me wanting.
What I liked: Basically anything after they discovered where Lynnie had been hiding after embezzling money from the McKenna Detective Agency. The finally 75 pages were more on part with what I was hoping for in the realm of mysteries.
What I disliked (or irritated me to no end): I know this is going to sound petty, but Susannah's nickname "SUZE". I cringed every time I read it (so much so it actually pulled me out of the story a lot). Also, the tea cups. The China. It is so not me, and I found myself wanting to skim over the text every time a character started talking or thinking about their China collection. I do not care. Not at all. Enough is enough.
Now, for those of you named Suze (sorry!), and those that love tea cup/China collections, and those that like kind of chick lit/kind of mystery novels, this just might be for you!
Enjoy and happy reading!
PS. I still gave it a three so I obviously didn't HATE it by any means.
Crusie is well known for her "Chick Lit" style, but there seemed to be more to "Fast Women". Chick Lit + Mystery? Unfortunately for me, they both fell flat and left me wanting.
What I liked: Basically anything after they discovered where Lynnie had been hiding after embezzling money from the McKenna Detective Agency. The finally 75 pages were more on part with what I was hoping for in the realm of mysteries.
What I disliked (or irritated me to no end): I know this is going to sound petty, but Susannah's nickname "SUZE". I cringed every time I read it (so much so it actually pulled me out of the story a lot). Also, the tea cups. The China. It is so not me, and I found myself wanting to skim over the text every time a character started talking or thinking about their China collection. I do not care. Not at all. Enough is enough.
Now, for those of you named Suze (sorry!), and those that love tea cup/China collections, and those that like kind of chick lit/kind of mystery novels, this just might be for you!
Enjoy and happy reading!
PS. I still gave it a three so I obviously didn't HATE it by any means.
Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
4.0
Although it took me the better part of 10 days to read, I am absolutely delighted by the novel "Seraphina" authored by Rachel Hartman. It was on a whim that allowed me to discover this book and I couldn't be happier.
Once thing Hartman does exceptionally well is creating relate-able characters with compelling back stories that give the narrative a wonderful depth. Hartman tugged at my emotions in all of the right ways.
The only reason this did not get five stars is because the cast of characters was too large and was hard to follow at times. What worked for me was that the twist was an actual surprise (which is always good when that happens) because nine times out of ten you see it coming.
I've already recommended this book to a few, and will continue to do so. I cannot wait to read the sequel!
Happy Reading!
Once thing Hartman does exceptionally well is creating relate-able characters with compelling back stories that give the narrative a wonderful depth. Hartman tugged at my emotions in all of the right ways.
The only reason this did not get five stars is because the cast of characters was too large and was hard to follow at times. What worked for me was that the twist was an actual surprise (which is always good when that happens) because nine times out of ten you see it coming.
I've already recommended this book to a few, and will continue to do so. I cannot wait to read the sequel!
Happy Reading!
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
4.0
"Dark Matter" by Blake Crouch is not a book I would have picked up on my own. It was suggested by a friend for us both to read and I am not disappointed. Mostly.
I thoroughly enjoyed Crouch's writing style. It kept the pacing of the novel moving along and the urgency/suspense was felt throughout every page.
Things got a little too science-y for me in the middle, and I found the ending slightly anti-climatic. My predictions by the end of chapter one were almost spot on, so I missed out on some of the shock factor that others have experienced.
Some reference a type of Inception or Interstellar-esque vibe, and I can see that. It was very Fringe. I am a fan. This is my first from Crouch. I just may check out more of his work in the future.
Happy Reading!
I thoroughly enjoyed Crouch's writing style. It kept the pacing of the novel moving along and the urgency/suspense was felt throughout every page.
Things got a little too science-y for me in the middle, and I found the ending slightly anti-climatic. My predictions by the end of chapter one were almost spot on, so I missed out on some of the shock factor that others have experienced.
Some reference a type of Inception or Interstellar-esque vibe, and I can see that. It was very Fringe. I am a fan. This is my first from Crouch. I just may check out more of his work in the future.
Happy Reading!
Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body by Roxane Gay
4.0
Well written. Easy textual read. Relateable emotional read. The inside jacket to Roxane Gay's memoir of her body "Hunger" does not do the book justice. A unique perspective on the world as people grow into being overweight, obese, morbidly obese, and beyond.
This is not a self help book. This is not a "this is how I got thin" book. This book is about how a traumatic event from her childhood catapulted her eating herself nearly to death.
If you want the truth as to what its like living large, then this book is for you. If you're not read for the truth, then consider looking the other way.
Happy Reading!
This is not a self help book. This is not a "this is how I got thin" book. This book is about how a traumatic event from her childhood catapulted her eating herself nearly to death.
If you want the truth as to what its like living large, then this book is for you. If you're not read for the truth, then consider looking the other way.
Happy Reading!
Thinner Leaner Stronger: The Simple Science of Building the Ultimate Female Body by Michael Matthews
4.0
"Thinner, Leaner, Stronger: The Simple Science of Building the Ultimate Female Body" by Michael Matthews was an excellent read. Matthews does a great job explaining complete scientific information in every day terms.
One of my biggest pet peeves is how much conflicting information is out on the web in regards to health and fitness. Matthews covers everything in his book (logically and with scientific backing).
I found his sections on nutrition to be extremely helpful and enlightening. His sample meal ideas and how to break down food have sparked many ideas within myself. I also learned correct balancing of MACRO nutrients.
Another section I really enjoyed is his break down of 5-day, 4-day, and 3-day workouts. He does all of the background heavy lifting so we can be out in the gym doing our own heavy lifting. I have always lacked structure in the gym of what I should be working on, and this removed the shroud of mystery.
I think my favorite part of his book was toward the end, a chapter on supplements. He goes through and talks about all of the potential supplements, which ones are worth getting and which ones are a waste of time. I was able to extend my knowledge on the quality of products and what I should be looking for.
I feel this is a great jumping off point for any woman who is looking to hit the gym but doesn't really know where to start. Well, my friends look no further!
Happy Reading!
One of my biggest pet peeves is how much conflicting information is out on the web in regards to health and fitness. Matthews covers everything in his book (logically and with scientific backing).
I found his sections on nutrition to be extremely helpful and enlightening. His sample meal ideas and how to break down food have sparked many ideas within myself. I also learned correct balancing of MACRO nutrients.
Another section I really enjoyed is his break down of 5-day, 4-day, and 3-day workouts. He does all of the background heavy lifting so we can be out in the gym doing our own heavy lifting. I have always lacked structure in the gym of what I should be working on, and this removed the shroud of mystery.
I think my favorite part of his book was toward the end, a chapter on supplements. He goes through and talks about all of the potential supplements, which ones are worth getting and which ones are a waste of time. I was able to extend my knowledge on the quality of products and what I should be looking for.
I feel this is a great jumping off point for any woman who is looking to hit the gym but doesn't really know where to start. Well, my friends look no further!
Happy Reading!
Mīlulis vai mīļotais by Jennifer Crusie
4.0
"Crazy for You" by Jennifer Crusie is by far my favorite of her novels (The ones I have read, anyway).
I love that all of her novels feature a very unique dog. The humans were equally good. The cast of characters was fairly small and that allowed for great development and dynamics throughout. The protagonist Quinn was well rounded and all of her decisions were easily followed no matter who was in the scenes with her.
Without giving anything away, there were some excellent pieces of drama through the pages which allowed me to become even more invested in the overall story.
if you're looking for a good piece of modern Chick Lit, I would highly recommend "Crazy for You" by Jennifer Crusie!
Happy Reading!
I love that all of her novels feature a very unique dog. The humans were equally good. The cast of characters was fairly small and that allowed for great development and dynamics throughout. The protagonist Quinn was well rounded and all of her decisions were easily followed no matter who was in the scenes with her.
Without giving anything away, there were some excellent pieces of drama through the pages which allowed me to become even more invested in the overall story.
if you're looking for a good piece of modern Chick Lit, I would highly recommend "Crazy for You" by Jennifer Crusie!
Happy Reading!
How to Behave in a Crowd by Camille Bordas
3.0
I'm finding it quite difficult to put into words how I feel about "How to Behave in a Crowd" by Camille Bordas. This is one of those books that I didn't necessarily like, but I didn't hate either.
There was 319 pages of nothing really happening in a family in France and how a boy was emotionally smart and his siblings were intellectually smart. Life happens. Death happens. And sometimes you read a book that is "meh".
It was well written, and the translation from French to English was good. I got slightly invested in the main character Dory, but for the most part, this novel left me wanting.
I don't always need a happy ending. I know life doesn't work out that way. But for me, I need something to actually happen to hold my interest. Either way, easy read. It seems unlikely I'll seek out Bordas' other novels in the future.
Happily moving on, happy reading!
There was 319 pages of nothing really happening in a family in France and how a boy was emotionally smart and his siblings were intellectually smart. Life happens. Death happens. And sometimes you read a book that is "meh".
It was well written, and the translation from French to English was good. I got slightly invested in the main character Dory, but for the most part, this novel left me wanting.
I don't always need a happy ending. I know life doesn't work out that way. But for me, I need something to actually happen to hold my interest. Either way, easy read. It seems unlikely I'll seek out Bordas' other novels in the future.
Happily moving on, happy reading!
Sounds Like Me: My Life (So Far) in Song by Sara Bareilles
5.0
I absolutely love, love, loved "Sounds Like Me: My Life (So Far) in Song" by Sara Bareilles. For as long as I can remember, I have been a fan of her music; however, I did not know much about her life, and how she created (and what inspired) her songs.
This book contains eight beautiful essays. They are well written, thoughtful, honest, funny, and compelling. Many forget that "famous people" are just regular people. Bareilles does a brilliant job opening up and sharing her life, love, and struggles.
Extremely relate-able and a quick read. If you love human beings, and music, this could be the book for you.
Happy Reading!
This book contains eight beautiful essays. They are well written, thoughtful, honest, funny, and compelling. Many forget that "famous people" are just regular people. Bareilles does a brilliant job opening up and sharing her life, love, and struggles.
Extremely relate-able and a quick read. If you love human beings, and music, this could be the book for you.
Happy Reading!
The Night Child by Anna Quinn
3.0
3.5 stars.
Have you ever read a book where you knew what was going to happen but you hoped that it wouldn't and then it did, and it was awful? This was "The Night Child" by Anna Quinn for me.
The writing was decent. The story was not completely predictable. The time jumps were a little jagged and disorienting between present day and memory.
Overall, an interesting read with an inappropriate title. Not that I can think of a better one... just that it didn't quite fit.
This is Quinn's debut novel. I am unsure if I will seek further reading from this author as she continue's to write. Not a bad book by any means.
I do appreciate books that have endings that aren't the ultimate "....and they lived happily ever after."
Happy Reading!
Have you ever read a book where you knew what was going to happen but you hoped that it wouldn't and then it did, and it was awful? This was "The Night Child" by Anna Quinn for me.
The writing was decent. The story was not completely predictable. The time jumps were a little jagged and disorienting between present day and memory.
Overall, an interesting read with an inappropriate title. Not that I can think of a better one... just that it didn't quite fit.
This is Quinn's debut novel. I am unsure if I will seek further reading from this author as she continue's to write. Not a bad book by any means.
I do appreciate books that have endings that aren't the ultimate "....and they lived happily ever after."
Happy Reading!
Never Coming Back by Alison McGhee
1.0
I have not been looking forward to talking about this book, because my mama always taught me that if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. But not saying anything would defeat the purpose of this.
Let's try this in the kindest way possible. "Never Coming Back" by Alison McGhee is a book about Clara, and her mother who happens to have early on-set Alzheimer's. The prose jumped around so much that every transition I was pulled out of the text. What should have taken me a night to read took three because of these interruptions.
Maybe purposeful, but the author wrote as if she herself had Alzheimer's and we were just seeing portions of her memories--scattered and disjointed through Clara. The additional characters did not add to the book. The descriptions were lacking. The repetitious self talk with exclamation points turned into areas of groaning and skipping.
Final rating: 1.5 stars. I've read worse, just not a lot.
Happy reading!
Let's try this in the kindest way possible. "Never Coming Back" by Alison McGhee is a book about Clara, and her mother who happens to have early on-set Alzheimer's. The prose jumped around so much that every transition I was pulled out of the text. What should have taken me a night to read took three because of these interruptions.
Maybe purposeful, but the author wrote as if she herself had Alzheimer's and we were just seeing portions of her memories--scattered and disjointed through Clara. The additional characters did not add to the book. The descriptions were lacking. The repetitious self talk with exclamation points turned into areas of groaning and skipping.
Final rating: 1.5 stars. I've read worse, just not a lot.
Happy reading!