firstimpressionsreviews's reviews
608 reviews

Legally Blonde by Amanda Brown

2.0

I’ve always loved the film Legally Blonde. Elle Woods was quick, charming, and went after what she wanted. After discovering that the film was based on a book I was eager to read how her paper counterpart compared. 

Oh, how disappointed I was. In the novel, Elle is a stereotypical dumb blonde who is blinded by the idea of getting her loser boyfriend Warner back. When she isn’t scheming about how to steal Warner away from his fiancee she spends her time reading People magazine in class, that is when she isn’t skipping school for a nail appointment. Yes, Elle is those things in the movie as well but it seemed more blatant in print. 

The plot was also lacking. Elle’s classes or any development in her progress as a law student were continuously shelved in order to draw attention to the color of her nail polish. Josette, her manicurist on speed dial also had a much smaller part and felt she was underutilized. I really wanted to throw the book against the wall, either to knock some sense into the barely fleshed-out characters or as a cathartic release of my frustration. 

Unfortunately, the writing was no saving grace. It felt very amateurish. It reminded me of when I was in middle school and used “like” and “coolio” in almost every sentence. Overall, the novel was a bit of a letdown. 

Perhaps I’m viewing the movie through rose (or pink) tinted glasses which clouds my judgment of said book. However, it still begs the question, Amanda Brown, what have you done with my Elle Woods?

Elevation by Stephen King

3.0

Elevation drew me in almost immediately. Despite the similarities to Thinner I was intrigued, Stephen King creates individual characters in every book he writes. I looked forward to listening and learning more about Scott Carey. However, Stephen King made me feel invested in Scott Carey as a person as the focus was not solely on his fluctuating weight.

Like all of Stephen King’s novels Elevation was expertly written. The audiobook was short, sweet, and, narrated by the author which is always a plus. I enjoyed reading (or listening) to the character development of Scott Carey and the neighborhood lesbian-owned restaurant. Sadly, Elevation was too reminiscent of Thinner and I had a hard time engaging in the novel. Elevation is an interesting concept, however, because of the similarities to Thinner it lacked some of the originality of King’s other novels. Stephen King is still an amazing writer and I fear my disappointment stems from wanting more depth from Elevation.

Carrie by Stephen King

dark fast-paced

3.75

• Carrie is Mean Girls on crack. It is a story about bullying and quite frankly, a lot of problems could have been solved if they broke the prom crown in half and shared like Cady Heron.
• Carrie is eerie and creepy and the perfect way to start October. Even though I knew the premise of the story, it didn’t matter because the journey was just too good.
• At the risk of making my Stephen King reviews sound repetitive, Stephen King really is the king of horror and has a wonderful way with words making every sentence a treat.
• Considering Sissy Spacek played the leading lady of the novel, having her narrate Miss White’s story only enhanced the storytelling adding a new dimension to the novel.
• However, after Sissy Carrie kills all her little classmates the book dragged a bit. I wanted to skip to the end and learn of Carrie’s inevitable fate but unfortunately, I had to wade through some blood and gunk to get there.
• Overall, Carrie is more than just pig’s blood and is definitely worth the read.

Broken (in the Best Possible Way) by Jenny Lawson

funny medium-paced

4.5

As in every review of Jenny Lawson’s books, it is always best to listen to Jenny’s narration as it adds so much to the experience. However, this time I received a copy from her book club subscription Fantastic Strangelings. I was in a conundrum do I read or listen? I decided to do both. I have deemed this the best way to read anything Jenny Lawson writes. The book has pictures and footnotes that can’t be captured in an audiobook yet Jenny’s inflection, and joy could be difficult to contain on paper. 

Surprisingly, Broken (in the best possible way) is probably Jenny Lawson’s most serious and relatable book to date. I found myself nodding in agreement when the author shared a letter she had written to her insurance company stating her displeasure and frustration and her accounts of her battle with depression and invisible disability were heartwarming. 

However, despite the serious subjects peppered throughout the book I also found myself laughing out loud which had my husband check to see if I was being attacked by a hyena. For example, her story about her embarrassing encounter at an airport which led to her tweet going viral left me giggling and feeling that I was not alone in putting my foot in my mouth. 

Broken has so many fabulous moments but some honorable mentions are: 

• Laser vaginas
• Holes in her brain
• conversations with Victor, Hailey, and Lisa
• bag of dicks
• cooking and cleaning 
• buttons
• cockchafer insects

 
Needless to say, it’s a mixed bag but, in the best way possible.

Broken is a humorously insightful look into mental health while still being refreshingly real. One thing that will always be guaranteed with Jenny Lawson’s books is that they will put a smile on my face and Broken was no exception. It is a novel of broken shards of brilliance.

Magic Lessons: The Prequel to Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman

lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

After reading The Rules of Magic, I was curious to learn about Maria Owen’s origin and added Magic Lessons to my virtual shelf. Alas, like the Cranberries’ song, I let it linger. 

Why did I let it linger so long? This prequel to the Practical Magic series casts a spell upon the reader. Alice Hoffman seamlessly blends history and magic together until you can’t differentiate between the two. I will say that as much as this is a story of love and finding oneself since part of the novel takes place during the Salem witch trials this can be a dark book. However, the author deftly peppers the story with spells and herbal remedies that add a lightness to the plot. 

Throughout the book, I was reminded of The Lion the Witch, and the Wardrobe, not because Hannah, Maria’s teacher, was Aslan but because Magic Lessons should not be read before the rest of the series. Growing up I was enthralled by the magic of the wardrobe however, as an adult I read The Magician’s Nephew. Gaining the knowledge of how the wardrobe came to be ruined a bit of the magic for me. That is not to say that I won’t read either series again it just takes away from the mystery. 

As for the audiobook, maybe it is because I’m currently obsessed with the tv show Younger, but I loved Sutton Foster’s narration. Sutton Foster has a soothing tone that fit the dark lyrical nature of the book perfectly. 

Overall, Magic Lessons was an indulgent read that will transport you to an era of magic.

The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray

inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Marie Benedict has slowly become a go-to author for historical fiction. She chooses to write of not-so-well-known historical figures and breathes life into their stories. Belle da Costa Greene led such an interesting life and looked forward to going to bed or sneaking in a few pages before work to learn more of her incredible story. As with all of Marie Benedict’s novels, her writing is so fluid and lovely. With her detailed descriptions of J.P. Morgan’s library and her visits to Europe, I felt as if I was there and was drawn into the surroundings.

I did think the last 30 pages could have been condensed and almost felt as if the author was unsure to continue the story. However, as a whole, it was a wonderful book and I enjoyed learning about this hidden figure in history.

The Chimes by Charles Dickens

emotional medium-paced

3.0

First Impressions

I got The Chimes on Audible last year as I wanted to try the narrator, Richard Armitage as well as read some of Charles Dickens’ other holiday offerings.
Novel Impressions

I have mixed feelings about this story. In true Dicken’s form, the writing is superb, and the author brings depth to the Victorian era. However, I think I went in expecting something akin to A Christmas Carol and get my holiday warm fuzzies on. That is not the case with The Chimes. I found it to be a depressing tale of humanity and as far away from a Hallmark Christmas special as you can get.
Audio Impressions

Richard Armitage is a fabulous narrator and can’t believe I am just getting around to listening to his narrations. He has a clear voice with perfect diction, making it very easy to fall into the story.
Final Impressions

Overall, The Chimes is classic Dickens, and could see myself listening to it again.

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

4.0

Conviction by Denise Mina

medium-paced

3.5

Miracle in the Andes: 72 Days on the Mountain and My Long Trek Home by Vince Rause, Nando Parrado

adventurous emotional inspiring medium-paced

4.0