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karamaek's reviews
625 reviews
Easily Amused by Karen McQuestion
4.0
This book appeared in my Amazon Suggestions one day so I downloaded it. I needed a light, quick read after finishing a deeply concerning book. I do that to sort of cleanse my pallet before moving on and it really keeps my read eclectic.
Through the first few chapters I found the character development to be weak. I felt that I must be reading the second in a series due to how little the author described the main character but I don't think that is the case. As far as I can tell, this is a standalone book though I would like to see a sequel.
Due to the lack of character development I created the main character in my head. As I read it I learned she was a size 8, so she shrunk. Then I learned she had brown hair so her hair color changed. Since this truly was a quick read that was not as bothersome has I would have expected.
The story line was fairly predictable as it followed the rhythm of most romantic comedies or chick lit books. But the author did a good job of keeping it fun without too much drama. Lola, the main character, seemed to have a good head about her. While she did get caught up in the moment a few times, she also never really lost sight of what was really going on with the man she was dating. She was, however, pretty blind to other things going on in her life. That balance made the story seem realistic, like it could happen to your best friend, opposed to other books in this genera that leave you screaming at the girl to get her head together.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and I look forward to reading this author again.
Through the first few chapters I found the character development to be weak. I felt that I must be reading the second in a series due to how little the author described the main character but I don't think that is the case. As far as I can tell, this is a standalone book though I would like to see a sequel.
Due to the lack of character development I created the main character in my head. As I read it I learned she was a size 8, so she shrunk. Then I learned she had brown hair so her hair color changed. Since this truly was a quick read that was not as bothersome has I would have expected.
The story line was fairly predictable as it followed the rhythm of most romantic comedies or chick lit books. But the author did a good job of keeping it fun without too much drama. Lola, the main character, seemed to have a good head about her. While she did get caught up in the moment a few times, she also never really lost sight of what was really going on with the man she was dating. She was, however, pretty blind to other things going on in her life. That balance made the story seem realistic, like it could happen to your best friend, opposed to other books in this genera that leave you screaming at the girl to get her head together.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and I look forward to reading this author again.
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
3.0
I started to read this book because it was picked for a book club a friend of mine had just started up. To be honest I only kept reading the book because I wanted to be able to contribute to the book club discussion.
Typically when I read I become the main character or a close friend of the character. The story comes to life in my head and I feel a deep connection with the main character. This has lead to many, many interesting dreams following an evening of reading. This is also why I cannot watch any movie when I have already read the book, I get upset when the characters to not match what I have created in my head.
This book was different. While I did become attached to Pi through the first part of the book, as soon as he was in the lifeboat I had to walk away. I kept reading but I made it a point not to be connected. I did not want to feel his suffering. I did not want to be the one who had to kill a turtle or a fish or clean up after a Tiger.
Since I no longer had that connection the author's great detail sometimes annoyed me. When I was connected to Pi, all the detail was tolerable and I often assumed it would be useful information later in the book. When I disconnected, it was annoying and trite.
As soon as Pi was off the boat I reconnected. I read the last section intently and I felt like my friend was back. And the ending was very thought provoking.
I feel the book was well written but was not a book for me, someone with a great love for animals and a weak heart when it comes to their suffering. If you can handle that, then I think you will really enjoy this epic tale of triumph over tragedy and the will to survive in even the direst of circumstances.
Typically when I read I become the main character or a close friend of the character. The story comes to life in my head and I feel a deep connection with the main character. This has lead to many, many interesting dreams following an evening of reading. This is also why I cannot watch any movie when I have already read the book, I get upset when the characters to not match what I have created in my head.
This book was different. While I did become attached to Pi through the first part of the book, as soon as he was in the lifeboat I had to walk away. I kept reading but I made it a point not to be connected. I did not want to feel his suffering. I did not want to be the one who had to kill a turtle or a fish or clean up after a Tiger.
Since I no longer had that connection the author's great detail sometimes annoyed me. When I was connected to Pi, all the detail was tolerable and I often assumed it would be useful information later in the book. When I disconnected, it was annoying and trite.
As soon as Pi was off the boat I reconnected. I read the last section intently and I felt like my friend was back. And the ending was very thought provoking.
I feel the book was well written but was not a book for me, someone with a great love for animals and a weak heart when it comes to their suffering. If you can handle that, then I think you will really enjoy this epic tale of triumph over tragedy and the will to survive in even the direst of circumstances.
Secrets of a Shoe Addict by Beth Harbison
5.0
This follow up book to Shoe Addicts Anonymous was an absolutely hilarious page turner! I had a very hard time putting it down once I started reading. This book can be read before the first book as they are not true sequel or series. There is one main character that is in both books, and if you do read this book first, you do learn how the first book ended but besides that, this book has full character development and the details that are often lost or redundant in a sequel.
The name Shoe Addicts Anonymous is not accurate however; I do understand the want to tie this book to the first. Maybe, The PTO Club would be better!
The story is funny and keeps moving along at a quick pace. It is predictable at times but most Chick-Lit tends to be that way.
I look forward to reading another Beth Harbison book in the very near future!
The name Shoe Addicts Anonymous is not accurate however; I do understand the want to tie this book to the first. Maybe, The PTO Club would be better!
The story is funny and keeps moving along at a quick pace. It is predictable at times but most Chick-Lit tends to be that way.
I look forward to reading another Beth Harbison book in the very near future!
Henry and Mudge and the Long Weekend by Cynthia Rylant
5.0
The Henry and Mudge series is among the favorite list in our house. We discovered it at the library and have read them all now.
This is a typically book in the series and tells the story about how Henry, Henry's Dad, and Henry's big dog Mudge survive a gloomy February weekend.
Highly recommended to Mudge lovers everywhere!
This is a typically book in the series and tells the story about how Henry, Henry's Dad, and Henry's big dog Mudge survive a gloomy February weekend.
Highly recommended to Mudge lovers everywhere!