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labbyreads's reviews
270 reviews
The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons
This one was painful to get through. I felt like I too was trying to make it through the winter in Russia as I struggled to find engagement chapter after chapter of this long and painful read.
While Simons vividly portrayed Tatiana's love for her family, she neglected to give the characters any actually redeeming qualities. Tatiana is poetically revealing her own love for them, there is little reason to understand where that comes from. In fact, the characters that she is working so hard to ridicule Tatiana.
To no surprise, the daughter of neglect and abuse chose a man who seems to be at best controlling. He is viciously jealous of any other man who is near her and is constantly at odds with the family around Tania.
This was a failure for me. If you've already started the book I'd suggest cutting your losses and moving on.
challenging
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
This one was painful to get through. I felt like I too was trying to make it through the winter in Russia as I struggled to find engagement chapter after chapter of this long and painful read.
While Simons vividly portrayed Tatiana's love for her family, she neglected to give the characters any actually redeeming qualities. Tatiana is poetically revealing her own love for them, there is little reason to understand where that comes from. In fact, the characters that she is working so hard to ridicule Tatiana.
To no surprise, the daughter of neglect and abuse chose a man who seems to be at best controlling. He is viciously jealous of any other man who is near her and is constantly at odds with the family around Tania.
This was a failure for me. If you've already started the book I'd suggest cutting your losses and moving on.
The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
This epic story of family spans multiple decades to tell the story of the Sorenson family. It culminates in the daughters' adulthood as the four radically different women each struggle with their own state of unrest.
Even after reading this book I'm not sure that I could tell you what theme really was. Instead I am only left with the very clear opinion that they all need individual and probably also family counseling from a professional.
The lack of consistent story is underscored by the difficulty to understand the writing. The story starts by dropping you into a family drama without context. Characters are only described by each other which played nicely with the theme of only understanding people from the perspectives of each other. Constant changes in timeline and POV asks the reader to keep up with a lot of things.
Overall, I liked this book. I didn't resent the epic length, but I was left feeling that underwhelmed by the character growth and plot. This is one of the few books that I've ever read where I feel like the TV or film adaptation would actually be better than the book.
Even after reading this book I'm not sure that I could tell you what theme really was. Instead I am only left with the very clear opinion that they all need individual and probably also family counseling from a professional.
The lack of consistent story is underscored by the difficulty to understand the writing. The story starts by dropping you into a family drama without context. Characters are only described by each other which played nicely with the theme of only understanding people from the perspectives of each other. Constant changes in timeline and POV asks the reader to keep up with a lot of things.
Overall, I liked this book. I didn't resent the epic length, but I was left feeling that underwhelmed by the character growth and plot. This is one of the few books that I've ever read where I feel like the TV or film adaptation would actually be better than the book.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
There is a high probability that this one is way overhyped on the internet. Don't get me wrong, I liked it. But it was not incredible.
The pacing of the book was uneven. The last third is the best part of the book. It becomes an engaging read when the first-person protagonist actually takes agency in her own fate instead of accepting the eddies the Cauldron has served her.
Feyre as a character when she took agency over her actions was what made the story compelling. Lucien won my heart for his candid charm and moral ambiguity. Tamlin and Rhysand gave me lots of True Blood vibes, with Tamlin as the brooding good guy and Rhysand slated to play the contrasting bad boy.
At a high level the plot is predictable, but the details in Maas's writing make the story magical. This one felt overhyped but I'm optimistic that the series will only better.
Full Review: https://labbyreads.com/review/a-thorny-retelling
There is a high probability that this one is way overhyped on the internet. Don't get me wrong, I liked it. But it was not incredible.
The pacing of the book was uneven. The last third is the best part of the book. It becomes an engaging read when the first-person protagonist actually takes agency in her own fate instead of accepting the eddies the Cauldron has served her.
Feyre as a character when she took agency over her actions was what made the story compelling. Lucien won my heart for his candid charm and moral ambiguity. Tamlin and Rhysand gave me lots of True Blood vibes, with Tamlin as the brooding good guy and Rhysand slated to play the contrasting bad boy.
At a high level the plot is predictable, but the details in Maas's writing make the story magical. This one felt overhyped but I'm optimistic that the series will only better.
Full Review: https://labbyreads.com/review/a-thorny-retelling
The Palace Papers: Inside the House of Windsor, the Truth and the Turmoil by Tina Brown
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
As an American with only pop-culture level knowledge of the British Royal family, I found the book incredibly informational and easily digestible despite the thick size.
Brown includes much more than just the last 25 years of history. In order to explain the most recent trials to plague the House of Windsor, she reviews the history that led them to their current place.
I commend Brown on managing to review all of the stories with an unbiased lens. There are plenty of times when she isn't afraid to throw the spotlight on each individual's not-so-pretty moments. This epic tale is full of drama and I really enjoyed the juicy gossip.
If like me, you find the idea of a modern aristocracy intriguing then I'd suggest you invest the time to read this. However, if that's not your thing then 18 hours of an audiobook is a lot. Overall, I found it worth the investment. Grab some popcorn, settle in and enjoy!
Brown includes much more than just the last 25 years of history. In order to explain the most recent trials to plague the House of Windsor, she reviews the history that led them to their current place.
I commend Brown on managing to review all of the stories with an unbiased lens. There are plenty of times when she isn't afraid to throw the spotlight on each individual's not-so-pretty moments. This epic tale is full of drama and I really enjoyed the juicy gossip.
If like me, you find the idea of a modern aristocracy intriguing then I'd suggest you invest the time to read this. However, if that's not your thing then 18 hours of an audiobook is a lot. Overall, I found it worth the investment. Grab some popcorn, settle in and enjoy!
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
5.0
From page 5 through the last page, I loved every minute of this romance.
The characters are relatable and interesting. When compared with how 2020 really went, I must say that this version is happier and honestly less dramatic.
The only mild critique I can offer on this one is that the chapters were long. It could be difficult to find a stopping point - but I rarely minded the excuse to keep reading.
Overall, I loved the characters. I thought the story unfolded masterfully and I look forward to revisiting it all again.
The characters are relatable and interesting. When compared with how 2020 really went, I must say that this version is happier and honestly less dramatic.
The only mild critique I can offer on this one is that the chapters were long. It could be difficult to find a stopping point - but I rarely minded the excuse to keep reading.
Overall, I loved the characters. I thought the story unfolded masterfully and I look forward to revisiting it all again.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
The Essential Drucker by Peter F. Drucker
informative
fast-paced
3.5
More than a decade after his death his business and management lessons are still true. Since the time of original publishing, much of these foundational principles have spawned their own books.
I'm confident that without a group to dig into the book's principles, I would not have appreciated it as much. Overall, I'm glad that I read this book but Drucker's light touch left me wishing that I was just going straight for some of the newer books on the specific topics.
I'm confident that without a group to dig into the book's principles, I would not have appreciated it as much. Overall, I'm glad that I read this book but Drucker's light touch left me wishing that I was just going straight for some of the newer books on the specific topics.
The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The story is masterfully told. Every event even the mistakes had to happen in exactly the way that they did. It is in looking back on the events on the previous two books from the perspective on this one that you really appreciate the masterful tapestry that Tolkien has woven.
This book is a love letter to friendship. While it encourages all of us to fight against the evils of the world and it reminds us that even the least likely among us can change the course of history. The real core is the way that Sam loves Frodo and Merry and Pippin miss their best friend. My wish for all of us is that we have the rare gift of a friend as loving as Samwise Gamgee.
Overall, this was a total win for me. I'll keep coming back because it fills my heart with hope and warmth and love.
<a href="https://labbyreads.com/review/long-live-the-king ">Read Full Review</a>
This book is a love letter to friendship. While it encourages all of us to fight against the evils of the world and it reminds us that even the least likely among us can change the course of history. The real core is the way that Sam loves Frodo and Merry and Pippin miss their best friend. My wish for all of us is that we have the rare gift of a friend as loving as Samwise Gamgee.
Overall, this was a total win for me. I'll keep coming back because it fills my heart with hope and warmth and love.
<a href="https://labbyreads.com/review/long-live-the-king ">Read Full Review</a>
Waking Gods by Sylvain Neuvel
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
If you enjoyed the first one, I would pick this one up but maybe don't expect much from it.
Two of the characters I fell in love with in book one Rose and Kara where both changed significantly in this book. I felt like I was starting with a whole new cast in this book. I lost the joy of reuniting with the dream team from Sleeping Giants.
The story was enjoyable, but when I finished I felt like I was left with so many plot holes.
Overall, I'd have preferred the series if I had stopped at the first. If you liked the first one and you're feeling adventurous give this one a try, but I suspect you may regret it.
Two of the characters I fell in love with in book one Rose and Kara where both changed significantly in this book. I felt like I was starting with a whole new cast in this book. I lost the joy of reuniting with the dream team from Sleeping Giants.
The story was enjoyable, but when I finished I felt like I was left with so many plot holes.
Overall, I'd have preferred the series if I had stopped at the first. If you liked the first one and you're feeling adventurous give this one a try, but I suspect you may regret it.
To Have and Have Not by Ernest Hemingway
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
When in Key West it only feels fitting to spend some time reading Hemingway.
Definitely not his best work I still enjoyed the vignettes of the people living in Key West which were poignant and colored. The biggest downside was that you could easily tell, that these were three different stories.
Overall, this was middle of the road for me but I enjoyed reading it.
Definitely not his best work I still enjoyed the vignettes of the people living in Key West which were poignant and colored. The biggest downside was that you could easily tell, that these were three different stories.
Overall, this was middle of the road for me but I enjoyed reading it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs