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davinareads's reviews
844 reviews
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
dark
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
When I finished the first chapter of The Picture of Dorian Gray, my immediate thought was, This book is going to destroy me. And honestly, it did. From the very beginning, I could tell this novel has inspired so many others; I kept seeing echoes of its themes and characters in modern stories I've read.
Oscar Wilde's writing is utterly quote-worthy. Every line seemed to carry a profound truth or a biting wit that made me want to underline it and save it forever. The charm of Wilde’s literature is undeniable, and I found myself completely captivated by his storytelling.
This classic is one that I hold dear to my heart. Its timelessness is evident in how relevant its themes and messages feel even today. Wilde's exploration of beauty, morality, and the consequences of our actions is something that resonates deeply regardless of the era.
The Picture of Dorian Gray is more than just a novel; it's an experience. The way Wilde captures the complexities of human nature, vanity, and the pursuit of eternal youth is simply masterful. I was drawn into Dorian's world, feeling both horrified and fascinated by his descent into moral decay.
What struck me the most is how effortlessly Wilde weaves his narrative, making it feel both effortless and profound. It's a book that leaves you thinking long after you've turned the last page. If you're looking for a read that challenges you, charms you, and makes you reflect on the deeper aspects of life, this is it.
In short, I loved every moment spent reading this book. It's a classic for a reason, and its impact is just as powerful today as it was when it was first published. I highly recommend The Picture of Dorian Gray to anyone who appreciates beautifully crafted literature with a timeless message.
Oscar Wilde's writing is utterly quote-worthy. Every line seemed to carry a profound truth or a biting wit that made me want to underline it and save it forever. The charm of Wilde’s literature is undeniable, and I found myself completely captivated by his storytelling.
This classic is one that I hold dear to my heart. Its timelessness is evident in how relevant its themes and messages feel even today. Wilde's exploration of beauty, morality, and the consequences of our actions is something that resonates deeply regardless of the era.
The Picture of Dorian Gray is more than just a novel; it's an experience. The way Wilde captures the complexities of human nature, vanity, and the pursuit of eternal youth is simply masterful. I was drawn into Dorian's world, feeling both horrified and fascinated by his descent into moral decay.
What struck me the most is how effortlessly Wilde weaves his narrative, making it feel both effortless and profound. It's a book that leaves you thinking long after you've turned the last page. If you're looking for a read that challenges you, charms you, and makes you reflect on the deeper aspects of life, this is it.
In short, I loved every moment spent reading this book. It's a classic for a reason, and its impact is just as powerful today as it was when it was first published. I highly recommend The Picture of Dorian Gray to anyone who appreciates beautifully crafted literature with a timeless message.
A Simple Carpenter by Dave Margoshes
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A Simple Carpenter is a very well written book that is part biblical fiction, magic realm and a bit of thriller all mixed in. Dave Margoshes did a fantastic job in balancing these three genres to create an enjoyable story.
I always have this fascination with books about God and this book asked all the right questions and gave some good responses with them. The overall story is our main character wakes up one day on a boat and has no recollection of any of his memories. He is a blank state and we follow him as he tries to regain the memory he's lost. As the story progresses, the main character discovers he has an uncanny ability to understand any language spoken to him. Pair this with his ability to perform small miracles, people start seeing him as a second coming of Jesus Christ. Of course, our main character doesn't see it that way which leads to his inquiry about God.
With addition to this, the characters and the settings did an amazing job in drawing the readers in. The characters introduced are a little odd but it fit in so well with this magical realm created that I wanted to read more.
I loved the ending and in a way I thought it wrapped up the book really nicely. I'm trying to not spoil it so I won't mention it but if you end up picking up A Simple Carpenter a read, please message me because I have discussion points 😂
The only thing that caused me to drop a star was I found some parts repetitive and I was impatient because I wanted to know what happens next.
To me, it was an interesting read and I wished more people will pick this up. The ending left me googling for more discussion on A Simple Carpenter and I love when a book gets me wanting more.
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
The Ministry Of Time had prospect and the idea about taking historical figures out of time to the 21st century to see if they can survive is a unique idea. I just felt let down because that idea and chance to create something memorable was not achieved. I felt rather lacklustered and lied to because the first sentence in the synopsis contained the words, "Romance", "spy thriller" and "workplace comedy" and I think my definition of those words are very different from the author's.
With this, the genre for this was labeled as scfi and contemporary. I am letting you know, there is nothing very scientific in this book other than the quick description of "we have time travel!"
There were high praises coming from this book, so this may be why my review so far is coming on very strongly because I did not see where all the high praise is coming from. Let me say that for a debut novel, it wasn’t bad. But it was also not a 4 or 5 star read to me.
To start, the things that I enjoyed with this book:
- Definitely the idea. Very unique and again, there was a chance to make an amazing story with it
- The potential of our main character (who was never named throughout the book) and her expat Graham Gore (the time traveler).
- I enjoyed reading about Commandor Graham Gore and liked how this book encouraged me to look him up to learn more about him
What I didn't like and what ended up dragging this rating down is:
- The writing felt very janky. It felt like nothing was really connected well and I found myself very confused with what was happening at times. Some transitions from one scene to the next were rough
- I love learning new words but I felt like there were too many big and uncommon words used to sound above average. I don't enjoy having to pause multiple times to look a word up and I think I have an average vocabulary
- The story is mundane. Yes, this is contemporary book, but come on, the main thing with this is there are characters brought from the past!
- The plot twist wasn't bad but it was badly written and wrapped up
- The ending left me with nothing
- "Romance" not the strongest
- "spy thriller" where was the the spying?
- "workplace comedy" it was as dry as possible
If you can't tell, I felt very disappointed with this read. There was so much potential with so many ways this story could go that maybe that was the problem. I think I had too much expectation and there were too many possibilities trying to work together that in the end, nothing was really well done.
At the end of the read, The Ministry of Time, is a slowed down, mundane slice of life read with anticlimactic ending.
Making Up the Gods by Marion Agnew
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
The perfect spring read that took me by surprise. When I picked this book up, I wasn't expecting anything but the first few pages hooked me in.
The tone for this book reminded me a little bit of Anxious People because it had this quirky aspect to it that was successfully carried through out. While it was a light hearted read, Making Up the Gods explored themes of tragedy and recovery, building new relationships and when to let go of the past.
All of this was expertly shown in three different POVs with a stunning location. I loved the backdrop of this location taking place in a well described lake front - Lake Superior. Marion did a fantastic job in capturing Canada's wildlife, from the Spring temperatures, to the natural beauty of the lake, I felt like I was there with our characters.
As for characters, I loved every single one of them and I thought they were very well-written. It was easy to distinguish one character from another and I was invested in them from the start.
From a retired widow living with ghosts and isolation, a young boy who lost his father and brother in a terrible accident to a man desperate for a job that he agrees to an outlandish task, these characters interacted with one another beautiful to form a memorable story.
I really enjoyed Simone and Chen's relationship and found it to be a natural development as Simone shows Chen the beauty of her home and camp site. I loved how the relationship was simple but at the same time, layered with many events - mundane chores to get the camp ready for summer such as raking and cleaning to breaks like skipping rocks or reading a story- to form a deeper connection between the two. I like how there is a contrast betwen them but a similar theme of lost ties them together.
Overall, Making Up the Gods is a well paced book perfect for Spring and those who enjoy the found family trope. Easily loveable characters with a short but simple plot, it was a great light read that was filled with a lot of emotional and sweet moments. I'll definitely be recommending this to everyone.
The tone for this book reminded me a little bit of Anxious People because it had this quirky aspect to it that was successfully carried through out. While it was a light hearted read, Making Up the Gods explored themes of tragedy and recovery, building new relationships and when to let go of the past.
All of this was expertly shown in three different POVs with a stunning location. I loved the backdrop of this location taking place in a well described lake front - Lake Superior. Marion did a fantastic job in capturing Canada's wildlife, from the Spring temperatures, to the natural beauty of the lake, I felt like I was there with our characters.
As for characters, I loved every single one of them and I thought they were very well-written. It was easy to distinguish one character from another and I was invested in them from the start.
From a retired widow living with ghosts and isolation, a young boy who lost his father and brother in a terrible accident to a man desperate for a job that he agrees to an outlandish task, these characters interacted with one another beautiful to form a memorable story.
I really enjoyed Simone and Chen's relationship and found it to be a natural development as Simone shows Chen the beauty of her home and camp site. I loved how the relationship was simple but at the same time, layered with many events - mundane chores to get the camp ready for summer such as raking and cleaning to breaks like skipping rocks or reading a story- to form a deeper connection between the two. I like how there is a contrast betwen them but a similar theme of lost ties them together.
Overall, Making Up the Gods is a well paced book perfect for Spring and those who enjoy the found family trope. Easily loveable characters with a short but simple plot, it was a great light read that was filled with a lot of emotional and sweet moments. I'll definitely be recommending this to everyone.
In Sickness and in Health / Yom Kippur in a Gym by Nora Gold
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This is such a unique way to split two stories up in one book. The stories are not connected to one another so you don’t have to worry about choosing which one to start first. Both of them were amazing short stories.
In Sickness and In Health (3.5⭐️)
I enjoyed the parts where our main character showed her childhood growing up with epilepsy. At the beginning it was a bit hard to get into it because it felt a bit repetitive. After the first 2-3 chapters is where I started to get interested in the story.
It was heartbreaking to read the struggles Lily had to deal with growing up with epilepsy. The times were different so while trying her best to be good and "normal" she was still looked at as a moron and bad. The way she was viewed as a child and how she was treated, expands into how she deals with illnesses as an adult.
This short novel was an emotional read. I also liked the subtle way it was written depending on if Lily was sick and out of her body or in the present and feeling healthy.
Yom Kippur in the Gym (4⭐️)
Out of the two stories, this is my favorite. I loved the individual character's story and how each of them are dealing with their own problems as they are all gathered in a gym for Yom Kippur.
There were strong themes throughout this novel about forgiveness, happiness and acceptance. I like how in the end, individually they discovered something about their situation. I also liked how they came together at the end with a connection between each of them.
Well paced and another emotional short story, this one stood out to me.
In Sickness and In Health (3.5⭐️)
I enjoyed the parts where our main character showed her childhood growing up with epilepsy. At the beginning it was a bit hard to get into it because it felt a bit repetitive. After the first 2-3 chapters is where I started to get interested in the story.
It was heartbreaking to read the struggles Lily had to deal with growing up with epilepsy. The times were different so while trying her best to be good and "normal" she was still looked at as a moron and bad. The way she was viewed as a child and how she was treated, expands into how she deals with illnesses as an adult.
This short novel was an emotional read. I also liked the subtle way it was written depending on if Lily was sick and out of her body or in the present and feeling healthy.
Yom Kippur in the Gym (4⭐️)
Out of the two stories, this is my favorite. I loved the individual character's story and how each of them are dealing with their own problems as they are all gathered in a gym for Yom Kippur.
There were strong themes throughout this novel about forgiveness, happiness and acceptance. I like how in the end, individually they discovered something about their situation. I also liked how they came together at the end with a connection between each of them.
Well paced and another emotional short story, this one stood out to me.
What the Living Do by Susan E. Wadds
emotional
medium-paced
4.0
What the Living do by Susan E Wadds invites readers into a poignant journey alongside Brett as she confronts her past while battling cancer. As we delve into Brett's world, I found myself captivated by the depth of her character and the steady growth she undergoes throughout the story. Susan skillfully guides us through Brett's struggles and triumphs, making her journey feel both personal and universal.
One of the book's standout elements is the portrayal of Brett's character. She's truly unique, and I appreciated witnessing her evolution as she grapples with her demons and embraces healing. Cole's unwavering loyalty adds another layer of depth to the narrative, showcasing the power of genuine connection amidst adversity.
Susan weaves symbolism and thematic elements throughout the story, particularly in the way Brett confronts her past through literature. The nods to Canadian culture, from mentions of beloved bands like Marianas Trench to subtle references like snowplows and maple leaves, added an extra layer of authenticity to the narrative.
However, I did find myself occasionally disoriented by abrupt transitions between settings. While this didn't detract significantly from my enjoyment of the story, smoother transitions would have enhanced the overall reading experience.
In summary, What the Living do is a moving exploration of resilience, love, and the power of confronting one's past.
One of the book's standout elements is the portrayal of Brett's character. She's truly unique, and I appreciated witnessing her evolution as she grapples with her demons and embraces healing. Cole's unwavering loyalty adds another layer of depth to the narrative, showcasing the power of genuine connection amidst adversity.
Susan weaves symbolism and thematic elements throughout the story, particularly in the way Brett confronts her past through literature. The nods to Canadian culture, from mentions of beloved bands like Marianas Trench to subtle references like snowplows and maple leaves, added an extra layer of authenticity to the narrative.
However, I did find myself occasionally disoriented by abrupt transitions between settings. While this didn't detract significantly from my enjoyment of the story, smoother transitions would have enhanced the overall reading experience.
In summary, What the Living do is a moving exploration of resilience, love, and the power of confronting one's past.
In the Capital City of Autumn by Tim Bowling
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
In the Capital City of Autumn, written by Tim Bowling, is a poetic retelling of his life. There were poems that made me feel sad, and poems that left me with a sense of peace and calmness. Tim wrote poems about the loss of his mother, his dog, the atmosphere when the cherry blossoms falls (one of my favorite ones) and watching his children grow.
There was beauty to some of his pieces that I enjoyed.
With that said, there were also a few where I had to slow down my already slow pace to comb through what Tim was trying to say. A thing that stands out with poetry books to me is the different messages different people will get from a piece. I may not have gotten the true meaning Tim was trying to make but I did come to my own conclusions that satisfied me. Some of them though, I was feeling a bit lost as a causal poetry reader who didn't spend too much time trying to analyze everything.
Overall, if you're interesting in adding a poetry read, I would recommend checking out In the Capital City of Autumn. It was an enjoyable book and reflective with its messages.
There was beauty to some of his pieces that I enjoyed.
With that said, there were also a few where I had to slow down my already slow pace to comb through what Tim was trying to say. A thing that stands out with poetry books to me is the different messages different people will get from a piece. I may not have gotten the true meaning Tim was trying to make but I did come to my own conclusions that satisfied me. Some of them though, I was feeling a bit lost as a causal poetry reader who didn't spend too much time trying to analyze everything.
Overall, if you're interesting in adding a poetry read, I would recommend checking out In the Capital City of Autumn. It was an enjoyable book and reflective with its messages.
A Promised Land by Barack Obama
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
When I picked this memoir up, I wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. While it was still a political read, Barack Obama did an amazing job at simplifying his points to make it digestible. There were some parts that were really political that I found boring, but it was only a small portion, the overall story being very interesting.
I enjoyed reading about Barack's POV and why he was running for President. The way he presented himself and his overall vision for America made it easy for me to see why he got the votes needed to put his words into action. It was nice to read about all the things he had to consider when making a decision and the thoughtfulness of his choices as President. From dealing with the economy crises to pushing for accessible Healthcare or the war in Afghanistan and Iraq, Barack showed the sides of all the decisions, narrowing it down to the best choice to make for America.
He stayed true to his roots and even though I am not American, I was cheering for him in my head with the tough calls and fierce pushed backs he had to deal with. When he was President, I was still on the young side so I never paid much attention to the political impact he had on the world at that time. The things he managed to achieve in his first term as president was outstanding and the way he represented himself and the promise of what America can be is admirable.
Overall, a very reflective and inspiring read by the 44th President of the USA.
I enjoyed reading about Barack's POV and why he was running for President. The way he presented himself and his overall vision for America made it easy for me to see why he got the votes needed to put his words into action. It was nice to read about all the things he had to consider when making a decision and the thoughtfulness of his choices as President. From dealing with the economy crises to pushing for accessible Healthcare or the war in Afghanistan and Iraq, Barack showed the sides of all the decisions, narrowing it down to the best choice to make for America.
He stayed true to his roots and even though I am not American, I was cheering for him in my head with the tough calls and fierce pushed backs he had to deal with. When he was President, I was still on the young side so I never paid much attention to the political impact he had on the world at that time. The things he managed to achieve in his first term as president was outstanding and the way he represented himself and the promise of what America can be is admirable.
Overall, a very reflective and inspiring read by the 44th President of the USA.
The Brickworks by Lucy E.M. Black
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
slow-paced
4.0
The Brickworks offers readers a delightful slice of life narrative set in the early 1900s, chronicling the journey of two gentlemen as they embark on the endeavor of building a brickmaking business. While initially slow-paced, this novel gradually unfolds into a captivating tale of resilience, friendship, and the pursuit of success.
At its core, the story is a simple yet emotionally rich exploration of Brodie and Alistair's entrepreneurial journey. What sets this narrative apart is its focus on the characters' past, shedding light on the experiences that shaped them into the individuals they are today. As the plot unfolds, readers are drawn into the daily routines and simple pleasures of the protagonists, forging a deep connection with their struggles and triumphs.
What truly distinguishes The Brickworks is its nuanced portrayal of the characters' growth and development. Despite its slow start, the novel succeeds in immersing readers in the lives of Brodie and Alistair, fostering an emotional investment in their quest for success. The depiction of their efforts to run a business while prioritizing the well-being of their workers adds depth to the narrative, resonating with themes of integrity and compassion.
While some readers may find the pacing initially challenging, those who persevere will be rewarded with a richly woven tapestry of human experiences. The open-ended conclusion lends a sense of continuity to the story, allowing readers to imagine the future adventures of Brodie and Alistair beyond the final pages.
In conclusion, The Brickworks is a compelling portrayal of ambition, friendship, and the pursuit of a successfulbusiness. Despite its slow start, the novel's endearing characters and heartfelt narrative make it a worthwhile read for anyone seeking a poignant glimpse into the past.
At its core, the story is a simple yet emotionally rich exploration of Brodie and Alistair's entrepreneurial journey. What sets this narrative apart is its focus on the characters' past, shedding light on the experiences that shaped them into the individuals they are today. As the plot unfolds, readers are drawn into the daily routines and simple pleasures of the protagonists, forging a deep connection with their struggles and triumphs.
What truly distinguishes The Brickworks is its nuanced portrayal of the characters' growth and development. Despite its slow start, the novel succeeds in immersing readers in the lives of Brodie and Alistair, fostering an emotional investment in their quest for success. The depiction of their efforts to run a business while prioritizing the well-being of their workers adds depth to the narrative, resonating with themes of integrity and compassion.
While some readers may find the pacing initially challenging, those who persevere will be rewarded with a richly woven tapestry of human experiences. The open-ended conclusion lends a sense of continuity to the story, allowing readers to imagine the future adventures of Brodie and Alistair beyond the final pages.
In conclusion, The Brickworks is a compelling portrayal of ambition, friendship, and the pursuit of a successfulbusiness. Despite its slow start, the novel's endearing characters and heartfelt narrative make it a worthwhile read for anyone seeking a poignant glimpse into the past.
The Last Bloodcarver by Vanessa Le
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Described as these Violent Delights meets Cinder with some Vietnam inspiration. I think that is an accurate description for this medium paced YA fantasy
Like
- A very needed and amazing YA book that brought topics about what preserving one culture means
- Fantastic world building and a very unique idea.
- The ending gave me goosebumps.
- Well done enemies to lovers where it wasn’t the main thing like what other's have been pushing in YA. There was a strong plot with strong plot development and the relationship was the secondary thing that pushed the plot forward
- Easy to read and I got emotional through multiple parts.
Dislike
- On the repetitive side
Like
- A very needed and amazing YA book that brought topics about what preserving one culture means
- Fantastic world building and a very unique idea.
- The ending gave me goosebumps.
- Well done enemies to lovers where it wasn’t the main thing like what other's have been pushing in YA. There was a strong plot with strong plot development and the relationship was the secondary thing that pushed the plot forward
- Easy to read and I got emotional through multiple parts.
Dislike
- On the repetitive side