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gimmebooksjoanna's reviews
305 reviews
Still Life by Sarah Winman
Did not finish book. Stopped at 47%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 47%.
Just not enough plot for me. I didn't feel that connected to the characters. Only really cared about Ulysses and Cressy.
The Last Word by Elly Griffiths
2.75
I don't think it was the book - I think it was just me. It was bit too slow, a bit too cosy and sweet for me. But that could just be timing.
It was written well, the three main protagonists were likeable.
Not keen on the political angle but again, that's a personal thing - it was still written well.
So my 2.75 stars is very much down to personal taste - not to do with quality of the book.
It was written well, the three main protagonists were likeable.
Not keen on the political angle but again, that's a personal thing - it was still written well.
So my 2.75 stars is very much down to personal taste - not to do with quality of the book.
How to Love: A Guide to Feelings & Relationships for Everyone by Alex Norris
4.5
This is just adorable and hilarious in equal measure ❤️
It's described as queer, and the author identifies as such. But I felt like it would speak to anyone, whoever they love. It just felt very accepting of love, however it looks.
It's described as queer, and the author identifies as such. But I felt like it would speak to anyone, whoever they love. It just felt very accepting of love, however it looks.
Polar Vortex: A Family Memoir by Denise Dorrance
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
A beautiful finished copy from the publisher arrived about 2 hours ago. I've opened it and not put it down until finished.
Graphic novels....they just hit different don't they? How, in so little words they get me so choked up, I will never know.
This one is beautiful. It's about Susan - who has to return home to Iowa from London, following her 90 something mum having a fall.
We're with Susan every step as she navigates coming to terms with her mother having dementia, health insurance in America and knowing what the right thing is to do, when she herself has her own family back in the UK. On top of all of that, she has a complicated relationship with her sister.
Handled with both sensitivity and humour, I adored every page of this.
Ben Stiller made me laugh out loud (all we become clear when you pick this up!) and the very last line just opened the floodgates 😭
Adored this. Read it.
Graphic novels....they just hit different don't they? How, in so little words they get me so choked up, I will never know.
This one is beautiful. It's about Susan - who has to return home to Iowa from London, following her 90 something mum having a fall.
We're with Susan every step as she navigates coming to terms with her mother having dementia, health insurance in America and knowing what the right thing is to do, when she herself has her own family back in the UK. On top of all of that, she has a complicated relationship with her sister.
Handled with both sensitivity and humour, I adored every page of this.
Ben Stiller made me laugh out loud (all we become clear when you pick this up!) and the very last line just opened the floodgates 😭
Adored this. Read it.
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Well, this book had me in a chokehold for most of yesterday 😮
I'd started it the day before NYE and fully intended on it being my last read of 2023 but because life, I'd only got 20% through. So then I spent my New Year's Day with Evie Porter (not her real name), the MC in this absolutely brilliant cat-and-mouse thriller!
I think this book is best approached with no real idea of what's going on - just dive in and enjoy a wild ride!
I can't say any of the characters are hugely likeable, but they're not exactly unlikeable either - but with how gripping the plot is, it just doesn't matter. Speaking of the plot, it's so incredibly well written. It's complicated but easy enough to follow. It does a great job of peeling back the layers and letting you into a little bit more of the story at just the right time.
So, the twist? Pleased to say, it made sense. I didn't see it coming but I can see how if I'd been paying closer attention I might have been able to work it out, if I'd wanted to. That's all we want isn't it? A twist that's not some distant cousins auntie on the other side of the family, 7 times removed 😂 I enjoyed the ending itself as well. It felt quite tongue in cheek and it made me chuckle 🤭
Anyway - fun and gripping. Highly recommend!
Whilst this is Elston's thriller debut, she has written lots of other books before, which I will definitely be picking up!
Thanks @netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for this review.
I'd started it the day before NYE and fully intended on it being my last read of 2023 but because life, I'd only got 20% through. So then I spent my New Year's Day with Evie Porter (not her real name), the MC in this absolutely brilliant cat-and-mouse thriller!
I think this book is best approached with no real idea of what's going on - just dive in and enjoy a wild ride!
I can't say any of the characters are hugely likeable, but they're not exactly unlikeable either - but with how gripping the plot is, it just doesn't matter. Speaking of the plot, it's so incredibly well written. It's complicated but easy enough to follow. It does a great job of peeling back the layers and letting you into a little bit more of the story at just the right time.
So, the twist? Pleased to say, it made sense. I didn't see it coming but I can see how if I'd been paying closer attention I might have been able to work it out, if I'd wanted to. That's all we want isn't it? A twist that's not some distant cousins auntie on the other side of the family, 7 times removed 😂 I enjoyed the ending itself as well. It felt quite tongue in cheek and it made me chuckle 🤭
Anyway - fun and gripping. Highly recommend!
Whilst this is Elston's thriller debut, she has written lots of other books before, which I will definitely be picking up!
Thanks @netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for this review.