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elenap's reviews
461 reviews
The Woman in Me by Britney Spears
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
My heart breaks for my childhood idol. I used to absolutely adore Britney, had almost 30 posters of her in my room at one time and notebooks filled with magazine clippings and stickers.
You know, I usually comment on the writing style of a memoir and if I think it wasn't in-depth enough here and there. But you know what, I won't here and that's my prerogative (wink wink). Yes, I am not objective at all, but who cares? Do I wish I got more insight and introspection on certain moments? Of course. But I'm still very happy that I got what I got. Did tear up a few times as well, it was hard not to.
Wishing her all the best, and I can't wait to read the other memoir she's working on at the moment because I still have so many questions. Even if the book feels scattered, I do think the ghost author did a pretty good job, as it reads in Britney's voice.
PS: I always disliked Justin, screw that guy. I also hope her family rots.
You know, I usually comment on the writing style of a memoir and if I think it wasn't in-depth enough here and there. But you know what, I won't here and that's my prerogative (wink wink). Yes, I am not objective at all, but who cares? Do I wish I got more insight and introspection on certain moments? Of course. But I'm still very happy that I got what I got. Did tear up a few times as well, it was hard not to.
Wishing her all the best, and I can't wait to read the other memoir she's working on at the moment because I still have so many questions. Even if the book feels scattered, I do think the ghost author did a pretty good job, as it reads in Britney's voice.
PS: I always disliked Justin, screw that guy. I also hope her family rots.
Plain Confession by Emma Miller
medium-paced
3.0
I had no idea this is the final book of a series when I picked it up (it was only a dollar, what was I to do?) but I don't think my reading experience was that affected.
It was an interesting deep dive into Amish culture and their brains. A lot of God here and God there which is not my cup of tea, but it did remind me of my younger self when I still believed.
Albeit very slow at times and a bit repetitive, it was a fun read.
It was an interesting deep dive into Amish culture and their brains. A lot of God here and God there which is not my cup of tea, but it did remind me of my younger self when I still believed.
Albeit very slow at times and a bit repetitive, it was a fun read.
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
emotional
sad
medium-paced
3.5
A story that is meant to make you sad and emotional. I mean, how could it not, all WWII stories are done to elicit those feelings (and sometimes I feel like I'm being coerced into sadness because it's so easy to write a sad book that takes place during the war).
Usually, I am a big fan of beautiful poetic writing, but here I just got really tired of it. I still enjoyed it occasionally, but other times I felt like it hurt the pacing. Oh, and surprisingly, I connected more with Werner than Marie.
I did admire the multitude of beautiful quotes and the way this book made me appreciate life and what I have. I'm not going to write the quotes as others have done before me, but it really is that simple: you just have to look, really look at the world around you.
Usually, I am a big fan of beautiful poetic writing, but here I just got really tired of it. I still enjoyed it occasionally, but other times I felt like it hurt the pacing. Oh, and surprisingly, I connected more with Werner than Marie.
I did admire the multitude of beautiful quotes and the way this book made me appreciate life and what I have. I'm not going to write the quotes as others have done before me, but it really is that simple: you just have to look, really look at the world around you.
Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
4.0
The only reason I am not giving this 5 stars is the fact that I didn't completely vibe with the writing. It was on the drier side, a little bit soulless with short and basic sentences, especially the first chapters, so it was hard to get into in the beginning because of that. But I stayed because Emily Fox recommended it, lol.
Otherwise, it was a very fun quick read, finished it in a day. Some twists I saw coming, but most of them I didn't and I loved being zigzagged thinking I got something when in fact I didn't.
All in all, it's a cleverly done time-loop story that made me pause a few times to think about my own life.
Otherwise, it was a very fun quick read, finished it in a day. Some twists I saw coming, but most of them I didn't and I loved being zigzagged thinking I got something when in fact I didn't.
All in all, it's a cleverly done time-loop story that made me pause a few times to think about my own life.
Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport
fast-paced
3.0
I was really thinking about giving up social media for a while because my anxiety was through the roof. Was hoping to learn new things from this book, but most of them were already known.
It was useful in a way because I did quit Instagram for a while but unfortunately couldn't really give up youtube or the occasional browsing on reddit or twitter. It's a journey, I guess.
One of the main point of this book is basically giving up social media and replacing it with hobbies (especially those that don't require a screen). It's a wonderful idea, but I think the change should come gradually: after allowing your brain to get satisfaction exclusively from short-form content on your screen, it's pretty hard to pick up knitting and be happy with it.
It's a short book that has some practical advice so if you struggle with media addiction, give it a go.
It was useful in a way because I did quit Instagram for a while but unfortunately couldn't really give up youtube or the occasional browsing on reddit or twitter. It's a journey, I guess.
One of the main point of this book is basically giving up social media and replacing it with hobbies (especially those that don't require a screen). It's a wonderful idea, but I think the change should come gradually: after allowing your brain to get satisfaction exclusively from short-form content on your screen, it's pretty hard to pick up knitting and be happy with it.
It's a short book that has some practical advice so if you struggle with media addiction, give it a go.
You're That Bitch & Other Lessons About Being Unapologetically Yourself by Bretman Rock
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.75
I found out about Bretman Rock from his AD house tour and found him absolutely hilarious. Decided to pick this up as an audiobook and did not expect to enjoy it this much!
A wild adventure of his (so far) short life, but boy it felt long! Super funny, endearing, a bit full of himself (which is only natural), and surprisingly full of unserious wisdom. I wish I had his self-confidence, tbh.
Taking out a point because this needed a better editor (it got a bit repetitive and all over the place). Fully recommend getting this as an audiobook.
A wild adventure of his (so far) short life, but boy it felt long! Super funny, endearing, a bit full of himself (which is only natural), and surprisingly full of unserious wisdom. I wish I had his self-confidence, tbh.
Taking out a point because this needed a better editor (it got a bit repetitive and all over the place). Fully recommend getting this as an audiobook.
Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
4.5
This was such a fun adventure with GREAT characters.
I've seen a lot of people mentioning that coming from the Mistborn trilogy this felt flat, but for me, it's the opposite. I enjoyed this much more -characters, magic system, and political intrigue alike.
Also loved the portrayal of how need can bring you so easily to do unseemingly things, things and people doing them you looked down upon your entire life.
Thought going into it that it's a standalone, but quickly realized we'll be getting more at some point, which is great because that ending would have annoyed me if not.
I laughed a lot and shed some tears, and my only complaint would be that I wish it was longer, so we could get even more character-building.
I've seen a lot of people mentioning that coming from the Mistborn trilogy this felt flat, but for me, it's the opposite. I enjoyed this much more -characters, magic system, and political intrigue alike.
Also loved the portrayal of how need can bring you so easily to do unseemingly things, things and people doing them you looked down upon your entire life.
Thought going into it that it's a standalone, but quickly realized we'll be getting more at some point, which is great because that ending would have annoyed me if not.
I laughed a lot and shed some tears, and my only complaint would be that I wish it was longer, so we could get even more character-building.
A Pocketful of Happiness: A Memoir by Richard E. Grant
sad
medium-paced
3.5
A very good narrator, Richard E. Grant elevates this read in audiobook format.
I went into this completely blind and had no idea this would be mainly about his dying wife. Probably wouldn't have picked it up if I knew beforehand. Their love is beautiful, and his account of these last years is tender.
Unfortunately, I can't say I enjoyed this book. He jumps a lot between his wife being sick and his account of meeting celebrities, getting roles, Oscar parties, and all that jazz. It felt weird to get into something frivolous and jump right back to tumors and sickness. Rinse and repeat.
I really think this could have benefitted from a linear narration and a bit more depth on his and his family's character.
I went into this completely blind and had no idea this would be mainly about his dying wife. Probably wouldn't have picked it up if I knew beforehand. Their love is beautiful, and his account of these last years is tender.
Unfortunately, I can't say I enjoyed this book. He jumps a lot between his wife being sick and his account of meeting celebrities, getting roles, Oscar parties, and all that jazz. It felt weird to get into something frivolous and jump right back to tumors and sickness. Rinse and repeat.
I really think this could have benefitted from a linear narration and a bit more depth on his and his family's character.
Night Shift by Charlaine Harris
mysterious
fast-paced
3.0
That ending was dubious, to say the least.
This series won't be winning any awards but it was fun way to kill the time, tbh. Pretty sure the shows made after her books are much better than the books themselves.
This series won't be winning any awards but it was fun way to kill the time, tbh. Pretty sure the shows made after her books are much better than the books themselves.
Day Shift by Charlaine Harris
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
3.0
So much better than the first book. Really wanted to know more about Olivia and we finally got the backstory. Bobo and Lemuel are almost MIA in this story but I got a reference to Sookie and let me tell you I teared up, lol.
Pretty fun book with a few mysteries (the mansion bit was fun with them teaming up with the old residents), but I can't say it's too good if you know what I mean.
Pretty fun book with a few mysteries (the mansion bit was fun with them teaming up with the old residents), but I can't say it's too good if you know what I mean.