lisabage's reviews
571 reviews

The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann

adventurous informative medium-paced

5.0

Fantastically written account of a shipwreck and the ensuing development of different factions on the island, plus the eventual return to England with competing stories. Very readable adventure story. 

The World Played Chess by Robert Dugoni

emotional informative reflective slow-paced

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

3.0

The writing was plain and a bit simplistic. The characters were interesting but flat. The narration was also flat. Very much a male coming of age story and a good representation of the struggle for Vietnam vets. But nothing original or interesting. 

The Golden Doves by Martha Hall Kelly

adventurous emotional informative tense medium-paced

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

4.0

Exciting story about two women from the French resistance in WWII who are sent to a concentration camp. Years later, they fight to find some of the Nazis that had escaped prosecution. Interesting story based on true event research. The actual WWII events could have been longer but still very interesting. 

Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

challenging emotional funny hopeful medium-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? Yes

4.5

I am one of the few people I know who never made it through Little Women. But I couldn’t stop reading this homage to it. Deeply woven characters with complicated choices and outcomes. Clear motives that lead to all the wrong places. Tremendous love, friendship, and heartbreak. Recommended to those with loving sisters or those who wish they had such relationships in their lives. 

Hug Your Haters: How to Embrace Complaints and Keep Your Customers by Jay Baer

informative medium-paced

3.5

 He talks about onstage and offstage service. Much more is being done onstage and its likely to get worse as companies "train" customers to go online, by providing better faster service. He talks about needing to coordinate responses across channels so customer service and social don't get disconnected or confused. Interesting information, seems well researched. Nothing earth shattering here, but good for companies who aren't already thinking about this to get up to speed. 

The Bad Weather Friend by Dean Koontz, Dean Koontz

dark lighthearted relaxing medium-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? Yes

4.0

I’m a long time Koontz fan. I find his stories creepy, although unrealistic obviously, and a bit predictable. But they are like comfort reading for me. You get what you expect dressed differently for the occasion. But this one. This felt like Koontz stretching out, as if his retirement was nigh and he wanted to have a bit of fun for his last hurrah. I appreciate how he injected his own voice in parts and collaborated with us to tell a cute story. 

The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.

Boring. Unlikable characters. 

The Patron Saint of Second Chances by Christine Simon

funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

5.0

A funny little novel about a mayor trying to save his town against all odds. Highly recommended as a beach read or an uplifting moment in your life!

A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci

adventurous challenging mysterious medium-paced

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

5.0

Great characters, interesting mystery, a lot of race relations lecturing but plot generated and on point so not off putting. Recommended for anyone looking for a well paced and plotted legal mystery. 

The Deep Sky by Yume Kitasei
Did not finish book.

Boring and names were all too similar to distinguish.