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iamnotacentipede's reviews
197 reviews
A Place Like Home: Short Stories by Rosamunde Pilcher
4.0
"Love comes in so many different shapes and forms. Everybody needs something different."
This line 100% sums up this collection of short stories. Each story follows a new couple that showcase different types of love, whether it's old love or new, family love or second chance love each set brings with it a cozy reading experience as you work through which way each character will take you.
I absolutely had an amazing time with this book, it's a great option for someone who is wanting something a little more fast paced but also something to not commit to if you are wanting a nice pallet cleanser. Each short story is on average about 10 pages long so you could also read this and another book at the same time. I guess what I'm trying to say is that this is not a big commitment of a read and feels so nice and fluffy.
There are some things about these stories that I did find a few small gripes about. First is that many of the stories are very predictable, it's not terrible but because these are pretty quick reads it doesn't take much to see where the story is going to go. Also, there is clearly some of the author's personal tastes in men (older) showcased in these stories in addition to quite a few "insta-love" situations. Also, quite a few stories are set in Europe but the imperial system is still used which obviously wouldn't really happen so that kinda took it out for me when reading (unless it was added in for American audiences and was originally written in metric units).
Overall if you are wanting a book that has gorgeous writing, a nice romance representation, and something that is going to make you want to drink coffee in front of a fire or a glass of wine out on a patio this is the book to grab!
This line 100% sums up this collection of short stories. Each story follows a new couple that showcase different types of love, whether it's old love or new, family love or second chance love each set brings with it a cozy reading experience as you work through which way each character will take you.
I absolutely had an amazing time with this book, it's a great option for someone who is wanting something a little more fast paced but also something to not commit to if you are wanting a nice pallet cleanser. Each short story is on average about 10 pages long so you could also read this and another book at the same time. I guess what I'm trying to say is that this is not a big commitment of a read and feels so nice and fluffy.
There are some things about these stories that I did find a few small gripes about. First is that many of the stories are very predictable, it's not terrible but because these are pretty quick reads it doesn't take much to see where the story is going to go. Also, there is clearly some of the author's personal tastes in men (older) showcased in these stories in addition to quite a few "insta-love" situations. Also, quite a few stories are set in Europe but the imperial system is still used which obviously wouldn't really happen so that kinda took it out for me when reading (unless it was added in for American audiences and was originally written in metric units).
Overall if you are wanting a book that has gorgeous writing, a nice romance representation, and something that is going to make you want to drink coffee in front of a fire or a glass of wine out on a patio this is the book to grab!
Hero: A Novel by Thomas Perry, Thomas Perry
2.5
This book was definitely one that I struggled to get into, for being less than 300 pages I would have thought that things would have been established more but this felt very much like a cheap action movie when reading it.
The main character was likeable and the cat and mouse dynamic was entertaining, but even by the end of this book I felt like wanting more and didn't seem all that satisfying.
The evil "mastermind" behind the whole thing was very one note at best and even the hit-man felt almost cartoonish (he wasn't, but something about the way he was doing things just felt out of character for being a hardened criminal willing to kill anyone for money).
Also, the writing in this was lacking for me. Many scenes were not described very well and I had a hard time imagining what was going on because things just didn't seem to line up correctly to what was being described. In addition to that there were a few slang terms/phrases that seemed so old which was surprising to see in a novel published just last year.
Overall ending this on a 2.5 star read, there were moments that were enjoyable but honestly if I had missed out on this book I don't think it would have offered me much.
The main character was likeable and the cat and mouse dynamic was entertaining, but even by the end of this book I felt like wanting more and didn't seem all that satisfying.
The evil "mastermind" behind the whole thing was very one note at best and even the hit-man felt almost cartoonish (he wasn't, but something about the way he was doing things just felt out of character for being a hardened criminal willing to kill anyone for money).
Also, the writing in this was lacking for me. Many scenes were not described very well and I had a hard time imagining what was going on because things just didn't seem to line up correctly to what was being described. In addition to that there were a few slang terms/phrases that seemed so old which was surprising to see in a novel published just last year.
Overall ending this on a 2.5 star read, there were moments that were enjoyable but honestly if I had missed out on this book I don't think it would have offered me much.
A Wolf Called Wander by Rosanne Parry
4.0
This book while told from the view of a wolf, very much still had so many human themes. It's amazing to see how species no matter the type have a connection in their wants and desires and needs, which I give total props to the author for making that so intertwined in this book (whether that was the intended purpose or not).
For anyone that loves wolves, or enjoyed Spirit Stallion of the Cimarron, or Balto this will 100% be for you. There were many moments while reading that reminded me of those movies or other Disney style story telling of animals and trying to find their place in the world (think like Fox and the Hound).
My only complaint with this book was there were several things that were told from the view of Swift/Wander that seemed to be something that he wouldn't know about yet and doesn't really explain that it was taught to him by his pack. I understand that this was more of explanation since the target audience is younger but it did kinda take me out of the read a little.
Overall, this was so fun and never once did I feel like this was too below reading for an adult. If you are wanting something that is adventure and self discovery and just a good pace of a read I recommend this.
For anyone that loves wolves, or enjoyed Spirit Stallion of the Cimarron, or Balto this will 100% be for you. There were many moments while reading that reminded me of those movies or other Disney style story telling of animals and trying to find their place in the world (think like Fox and the Hound).
My only complaint with this book was there were several things that were told from the view of Swift/Wander that seemed to be something that he wouldn't know about yet and doesn't really explain that it was taught to him by his pack. I understand that this was more of explanation since the target audience is younger but it did kinda take me out of the read a little.
Overall, this was so fun and never once did I feel like this was too below reading for an adult. If you are wanting something that is adventure and self discovery and just a good pace of a read I recommend this.
Jo's Boys by Louisa May Alcott
4.5
Whatever I had lost in Little Men previously came back for me from the original Little Women feel for this novel.
Now let me immediately start off by saying that there are very many things in here that you have to take with a grain of understanding with this book being written in 1886 (ish) because there are things in here that did not age well. You will find racism and sexism notes at a few points so as a reader please be aware though I really do not feel was meant to cause any additional disgrace and meant more as a sign of the times and views of people growing up within the period.
With that out of the way, I felt like this was such a kindled homeliness similar to what you will find in Little Women and when reading them very close together you can feel like the author was not giving her all in Little Men when in comparison to how amazing this book came out to be (as I mentioned).
You take away with you all these small little lessons just like a grandmother would tell you and it makes you almost crave for a simpler time. I still did not enjoy the religion notes throughout the book, but again I think that was just how the author and the norm were at the time of writing so I will not overly fault that.
In the end this was such a great closure to the series and it made me feel a little bittersweet to see the end of these wonderful characters. Dan totally made me think of Legends Of The Fall; and while reading I wanted very much to attend a play or two. Just the feeling that was put into these cute little moments felt so real and wholesome. I feel like I am better after reading these classics as "books are always good company if you have the right sort."
Now let me immediately start off by saying that there are very many things in here that you have to take with a grain of understanding with this book being written in 1886 (ish) because there are things in here that did not age well. You will find racism and sexism notes at a few points so as a reader please be aware though I really do not feel was meant to cause any additional disgrace and meant more as a sign of the times and views of people growing up within the period.
With that out of the way, I felt like this was such a kindled homeliness similar to what you will find in Little Women and when reading them very close together you can feel like the author was not giving her all in Little Men when in comparison to how amazing this book came out to be (as I mentioned).
You take away with you all these small little lessons just like a grandmother would tell you and it makes you almost crave for a simpler time. I still did not enjoy the religion notes throughout the book, but again I think that was just how the author and the norm were at the time of writing so I will not overly fault that.
In the end this was such a great closure to the series and it made me feel a little bittersweet to see the end of these wonderful characters. Dan totally made me think of Legends Of The Fall; and while reading I wanted very much to attend a play or two. Just the feeling that was put into these cute little moments felt so real and wholesome. I feel like I am better after reading these classics as "books are always good company if you have the right sort."
A Spell for Disappearing by Abby Geni
3.75
This was a very gripping short story about a woman trying to escape from a potentially abusive relationship.
I think the author is extremely talented and I genuinely enjoyed her writing style.
I think because this was a short story I personally found it lacking in a few areas. I felt like maybe the "spell book" sections weren't really needed, and could have been incorporated in a different way or maybe just left out. I also felt like the book seemed to imply some type of twist and instead that didn't really happen and we got a happy ever after (which don't get me wrong, I did like but this story kinda felt like something more sinister should have come about? -- maybe that's just me)
Overall I feel like this was a very strong story that just needed a little more work, but it was a very fun and fast read that I really felt invested in
I think the author is extremely talented and I genuinely enjoyed her writing style.
I think because this was a short story I personally found it lacking in a few areas. I felt like maybe the "spell book" sections weren't really needed, and could have been incorporated in a different way or maybe just left out. I also felt like the book seemed to imply some type of twist and instead that didn't really happen and we got a happy ever after (which don't get me wrong, I did like but this story kinda felt like something more sinister should have come about? -- maybe that's just me)
Overall I feel like this was a very strong story that just needed a little more work, but it was a very fun and fast read that I really felt invested in
Fairest by Gail Carson Levine
4.5
I truly believe that this book was such a success and I loved it almost as much Ella Enchanted.
Ella is still by far my favorite of the heroines that she has written about (I feel like she is the perfect mix of smart and defiant yet kind) but Aza is a very very close second.
My only gripe with this book was that I really didn't like the being stuck in the mirror scenes, that felt a little disconnected from the rest of the flow of the book, and I also didn't like that Ijori did not believe her when she was trying to prove her innocence. I know in the end he redeemed himself, but in that moment he did not make a very loveable character.
This book was so much of the charm of classic fairytale reimagined that Ella had that it really was such a joy to read. This was part Snow White, part Ariel/Ursula dynamic, with a splash of Coraline that I really can't find faults other than the mentioned above.
Overall this was second best of her works that I've read and I will totally be continuing on to read more of her stories because after all: "if you love a thing, one more is always welcome."
Ella is still by far my favorite of the heroines that she has written about (I feel like she is the perfect mix of smart and defiant yet kind) but Aza is a very very close second.
My only gripe with this book was that I really didn't like the being stuck in the mirror scenes, that felt a little disconnected from the rest of the flow of the book, and I also didn't like that Ijori did not believe her when she was trying to prove her innocence. I know in the end he redeemed himself, but in that moment he did not make a very loveable character.
This book was so much of the charm of classic fairytale reimagined that Ella had that it really was such a joy to read. This was part Snow White, part Ariel/Ursula dynamic, with a splash of Coraline that I really can't find faults other than the mentioned above.
Overall this was second best of her works that I've read and I will totally be continuing on to read more of her stories because after all: "if you love a thing, one more is always welcome."
Matilda by Roald Dahl
4.0
I feel like as a child reading this book you will relate to Matilda, but as an adult reading this you very much will see the theme of child abuse/neglect that takes place throughout the whole story. I think the way the author came about approaching this very troubling topic in a way that was both innocent but still keeping with the sad undertone which was all done beautifully.
The only thing that kept this from being a 5 star read for me was that I wish I would have gotten more backstory on the characters (which I feel like the movie really added more depth that was kinda lacking here) and the ending came very abruptly and didn't really feel fully completed.
I will say that this book is still very much a joy to read as an adult and continues to further my love for reading because I feel like any person that loves books will find themselves at least a little in Matilda's character.
The only thing that kept this from being a 5 star read for me was that I wish I would have gotten more backstory on the characters (which I feel like the movie really added more depth that was kinda lacking here) and the ending came very abruptly and didn't really feel fully completed.
I will say that this book is still very much a joy to read as an adult and continues to further my love for reading because I feel like any person that loves books will find themselves at least a little in Matilda's character.
The Turkey Rumble by Kate Folk
3.25
This was a crazy quick read and was alot of fun. I love that the main couple were gay (I'm always down for queer representation) but the whole premise was weird and quirky and I'm still trying to figure out if I even liked it.... but at least the writing was good!
Little Men by Louisa May Alcott
3.5
While I very much enjoyed Little Women and still felt like this book was a good sequel I did feel like there some charm from the first book that was lacking in this.
The first one reminded me very much of spending time with my grandmother, and some of her views of life and the simple happiness that you can find. This had some of those same sentiments but felt like the author might have rushed this a bit. The characters did not have the same fleshed out feeling as the first novel, and in fact I caught myself still not knowing who some of them where. I'm not sure if there was maybe just too many background characters while the first had very little, or if maybe there was going to be more to the book and some things were cut out but I felt like even at the end I found myself asking "who was that one again?"
Also, the death in the last 1/3 of the book seemed unnecessary, kinda like the same formula as her first book while not really delivering in the same heart wrenching way.
Overall I would give this a 3.5 star review. I still had a good time with it and it was still very charming, but I wanted more out of it.
The first one reminded me very much of spending time with my grandmother, and some of her views of life and the simple happiness that you can find. This had some of those same sentiments but felt like the author might have rushed this a bit. The characters did not have the same fleshed out feeling as the first novel, and in fact I caught myself still not knowing who some of them where. I'm not sure if there was maybe just too many background characters while the first had very little, or if maybe there was going to be more to the book and some things were cut out but I felt like even at the end I found myself asking "who was that one again?"
Also, the death in the last 1/3 of the book seemed unnecessary, kinda like the same formula as her first book while not really delivering in the same heart wrenching way.
Overall I would give this a 3.5 star review. I still had a good time with it and it was still very charming, but I wanted more out of it.
Beauty Reborn by Elizabeth Lowham
3.75
Let me first start off by saying that I do not read alot of Beauty and the Beast retellings often, so my experience with this story will be very different than someone who reads them on the regular.
I went into this story totally blind (as I try to do with most) and I will say that while the plot was very mid tier the characters were kinda what drove this whole story.
This is by no means the most amazing book out there, but it was wholesome and charming in the way that watching your favorite childhood movie makes you feel.
I don't want to say cozy because there were triggering content in this story, and while it wasn't DARK by any means it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows in here.
What I really enjoyed was a change of pace to the original Disney story and I ABSOLUTELY LOVED that the Beast character was so soft and gentle. The way he was written was so adorable that I couldn't help smiling at almost all of his dialogue.
Ending on a 3.75 because the story was fresh enough for me and I found myself WANTING to consume this so quickly but the world building and characters were very one note. Do not go into this book if you are wanting fantastical fantasy and in depth development, but if you are wanting a very cute story to make you smile and bring warmth into your reads this book will find it's place there.
I went into this story totally blind (as I try to do with most) and I will say that while the plot was very mid tier the characters were kinda what drove this whole story.
This is by no means the most amazing book out there, but it was wholesome and charming in the way that watching your favorite childhood movie makes you feel.
I don't want to say cozy because there were triggering content in this story, and while it wasn't DARK by any means it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows in here.
What I really enjoyed was a change of pace to the original Disney story and I ABSOLUTELY LOVED that the Beast character was so soft and gentle. The way he was written was so adorable that I couldn't help smiling at almost all of his dialogue.
Ending on a 3.75 because the story was fresh enough for me and I found myself WANTING to consume this so quickly but the world building and characters were very one note. Do not go into this book if you are wanting fantastical fantasy and in depth development, but if you are wanting a very cute story to make you smile and bring warmth into your reads this book will find it's place there.