jenwestpfahl's reviews
302 reviews

The Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux by Thérèse de Lisieux

inspiring slow-paced

2.5

I remember loving this book when I read it in high school, preparing for Confirmation, where I took Therese as my Confirmation name. It seemed so inspired and full of passion. But this time through, it just felt flat, with any meaning buried in cumbersome prose. I finished it just to finish it. I guess I just am not in the time of life now for Therese to speak to me.

The Dark Half by Stephen King

dark slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I love the weird stuff King comes up with. As if a murderous pseudonym coming to life isn’t enough, the way he is finally killed is even crazier. 

I could do without quite so much gore but then I guess the villain would seem less villainous. 

I love Sheriff Pangborn and it was good to read another novel where he figures prominently.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Murder

The Pink Hotel by Liska Jacobs
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.

I hate everyone in this book and hate everything they are doing. I know that’s probably the point being social commentary and all but I have better things to do than be disgusted my fake rich people.

Living Joy: 9 Rules to Help You Rediscover and Live Joy Every Day by Chris Stefanick

inspiring medium-paced

3.5

I Heard God Laugh: A Practical Guide to Life's Essential Daily Habit by Matthew Kelly

inspiring fast-paced

5.0

The Sleepwalker's Guide to Dancing by Mira Jacob

emotional slow-paced

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

4.5

I loved this very real-feeling family and was riveted to their story.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Child death, Car accident

Keeper of Enchanted Rooms by Charlie N. Holmberg

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Really fun concept about enchanted houses and a reality where magic is a normal part of life. The characters were relatable and I was rooting for them.

Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal

emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

I like the way Eva’s sorry was told through food and other characters and how many of them came back recurringly. But I didn’t feel like we really got to know her. We got a better idea of some of the other characters than her, and the ones that were most fully developed were not very likable so I had to just plod through those chapters to get on to the next. I did like the ending.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Loved the concept and it was a very enjoyable read. I found the main character relatable and was rooting for her.

Beloved by Toni Morrison

dark slow-paced

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

5.0

Speechless