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finallyfinnian's reviews
72 reviews
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
3.0
It's hard not to compare this to The Book Thief, especially since I read them so close together. But this is an entirely different experience. It's told like a "Once upon a time" story and though the narrator is omniscient, the childlike language puts us into Bruno, the nine-year-old protagonist's, frame of mind. It's a fast, engaging read. The characters, especially the two boys, are compelling.
There are problems with the book - things that grated on me. The kid being so innocent he had never heard the word "Jew" in his life. His family is high enough in the nazi party that Hitler comes to their house. Maybe Bruno is terribly sheltered but...
I think this reads like a book written for young adults and some of the language is simplistic. But it's good. It's fiction and probably isn't meant to dig deep into the horrors of the Holocaust.
Overall, I enjoyed it.
There are problems with the book - things that grated on me. The kid being so innocent he had never heard the word "Jew" in his life. His family is high enough in the nazi party that Hitler comes to their house. Maybe Bruno is terribly sheltered but...
I think this reads like a book written for young adults and some of the language is simplistic. But it's good. It's fiction and probably isn't meant to dig deep into the horrors of the Holocaust.
Overall, I enjoyed it.
After You by Jojo Moyes
4.0
I didn't come into this book expecting it to be another "Me Before You." I came in with the hope/expectation that the author would take me on as enjoyable ride as she did in the first one. This book didn't disappoint.
It is well-written. Louise, who is grieving, is not the happy-go-lucky, mostly naive woman she was in the first book. Of course not. She's suffered a tragic loss and she's dealing with all the grief and guilt that comes along with what she's been through. She's also dealing with the loss of her mother, albeit through estrangement. Rather than being a book about a young woman who learns to break out of her safety net, this is a book about a woman who tried to break out of her safety net and suffered for it.
I found the story engaging and enjoyable. I read it in a day. I liked all of the characters, even Lily who was a teenager dealing with the bullshit so many young (and old) woman have to deal with in the world.
Maybe it isn't exactly Me Before You. I don't think it's trying to be. It's a different story with a character I've come to enjoy at all spots of her journey. And I'm looking forward to the next one, too.
It is well-written. Louise, who is grieving, is not the happy-go-lucky, mostly naive woman she was in the first book. Of course not. She's suffered a tragic loss and she's dealing with all the grief and guilt that comes along with what she's been through. She's also dealing with the loss of her mother, albeit through estrangement. Rather than being a book about a young woman who learns to break out of her safety net, this is a book about a woman who tried to break out of her safety net and suffered for it.
I found the story engaging and enjoyable. I read it in a day. I liked all of the characters, even Lily who was a teenager dealing with the bullshit so many young (and old) woman have to deal with in the world.
Maybe it isn't exactly Me Before You. I don't think it's trying to be. It's a different story with a character I've come to enjoy at all spots of her journey. And I'm looking forward to the next one, too.
Stranger Things Happen by Kelly Link
3.0
I really should have loved this book. It's weird and a little incomprehensible, things I generally adore in a work. Neil Gaiman said Link is one of the best short story writers he knows and since HE is one of the best writers I know of, I knew I would love it. And I tried to love it. I WANTED to love it. I did love a few of the stories. But most just seemed kind of weird for weirdness sake and left me feeling a little "meh."
Your mileage may vary. Don't not read it because of me. Obviously a lot of people loved this collection. For me, it was just kind of ... okay.
Your mileage may vary. Don't not read it because of me. Obviously a lot of people loved this collection. For me, it was just kind of ... okay.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by Paul McCusker, C.S. Lewis
5.0
I have read this series so many times, I can't believe I'm listening to the audio of it. But a friend recommended the Michael York audio version and it is just delightful. He has such a lovely voice and it lovingly brings my old favorite to life. Highly recommend this version.
Stone Mattress: Nine Tales by Margaret Atwood
5.0
Margaret Atwood is a master of VOICE. Whether the narrator is a fantasy writer, a misogynistic, formerly randy and pretentious poet, or a guy who wants to be murdered, the voice is real and utterly believable. Each of these stories is incredible, but Alphinland is absolutely lyrical and pure genius in the way the author blends the present day trials of the Constance following the death of her husband and the "ago" times when she was in love with the misogynistic, randy and pretentious poet. Alphinland is lyrical, gorgeous, and ambiguous. I love a story that makes me go back to reread to see if I can figure out what happened. I highly recommend this collection whether you're a long-time Atwood fan or you've never read a word.
Utopia by Thomas More
3.0
If you're expecting a compelling story, go elsewhere. If you're looking for historical relevance, a satirical indictment of the feudal system, and philosophical arguments about the meaning of commonwealth property, whether Plato was right that philosophers should be kings, and a teensy bit of diving into the nature of whether or not women's work is work, it's a worthwhile read.
The House with a Clock in Its Walls by John Bellairs
5.0
I don't know why I recently picked up this long ago blast from my past - I remember first reading this book when I was a fat, friendless little kid just like Lewis. And I fell in love with his world. I wanted an Uncle Jonathan and a Mrs. Zimmerman in my life. I wanted magic and secret passageways and a scary mystery that you somehow knew would be solved because you were surrounded by love.
Now near 50, I raced through this book and find it just as charming, relatable, and engrossing as I did in the early 70s. Lewis is a lovable young hero with not a pompous bone in his body. He is absolutely unapologetic about his weird interest in ancient battles and his love for chocolate chip cookies. The adult characters are just as adorable. The mystery is compelling enough to keep even a grown-up reading. I wish I had 6-12 year old kids in my life right now, because I would be pushing this delightful book into their hands and begging them to just try to read it.
Now near 50, I raced through this book and find it just as charming, relatable, and engrossing as I did in the early 70s. Lewis is a lovable young hero with not a pompous bone in his body. He is absolutely unapologetic about his weird interest in ancient battles and his love for chocolate chip cookies. The adult characters are just as adorable. The mystery is compelling enough to keep even a grown-up reading. I wish I had 6-12 year old kids in my life right now, because I would be pushing this delightful book into their hands and begging them to just try to read it.
The Figure in the Shadows by John Bellairs
4.0
Very cute - I found it a little unbelievable that Lewis yet again is afraid to tell Jonathan and Mrs. Zimmerman about the magic amulet, a confession that would resolve everything in a moment, but then I'm not in the head of an orphaned little boy and maybe he does live in fear of being sent somewhere else.
The story was cute and just scary enough. Would definitely share this with kids in my life.
The story was cute and just scary enough. Would definitely share this with kids in my life.
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo
4.0
I absolutely loved some of the stories in this book. Amma, Yaz, Dominique - their experiences felt so real and heart-rending in so many ways. Dominique's life on woman's land with the abusive partner was perfectly written. I love the lack of structure in this book. It reads like a stream-of-consciousness that still manages to encompass so many different lives of women who are all (sometimes loosely) connected.
A couple sections dragged a bit, but overall, I enjoyed this book and find it well worth a read.
A couple sections dragged a bit, but overall, I enjoyed this book and find it well worth a read.