lmrajt's reviews
1186 reviews

Like Mother, Like Mother by Susan Rieger

emotional reflective medium-paced

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

3.0

This was the kind of book where very little happens in the first 75% and then BOOM it really picks up the pace. I couldn't really relate to any of the characters, nor did I like them. But there was something compelling that kept me reading. The premise was fabulous but it didn't deliver in the way I expected.

Summit Lake by Charlie Donlea

dark tense fast-paced

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

2.25

I almost quit several times, but the best part of this book was that I wanted to find out what happened. There were a few red herrings but it was very predictable and the writing honestly was not great. So much about it rang false or was improbable. Not a favorite.

Rental House by Weike Wang

reflective slow-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? Yes

2.0

This was a book club book and none of us really enjoyed it. Great premise but it fell flat - every characters was SO unlikable (were we supposed to feel sympathy for someone who threw a rock at another human being?), and very little happened. There was a tiny bit of growth in Keru at the end, but it frankly didn't feel like enough to justify an entire book. What was this?

We Solve Murders by Richard Osman

adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced

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

3.25

This was a cute little murder mystery EXCEPT it was laugh-out-loud hilarious. Everything about it was highly improbable, but that's not the point - the point is, this was suspenseful and entertaining. Really good light little read.

If Something Happens to Me by Alex Finlay

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

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

3.0

Very suspenseful, exactly as I wanted. Satisfying ending, also as I wanted. Would make a great vacation/beach read! Will read more by this author.

Raise the Bar: How to Push Beyond Your Limits and Build a Stronger Future You by Ben Alldis

inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

I’ve enjoyed every Peloton instructor memoir I’ve read to date, and this was no different. In a way, Ben’s personality and approach to life are the ones I can relate to most closely. I think he’s the real deal and practices what he preaches. Just the motivation I needed while dealing with some health issues!

This Girl's A Killer by Emma C. Wells

dark funny tense fast-paced

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

3.25

Halfway in and BOOM this suddenly picked up for me. Modern, funny take on serial killers, dating, and vigilante Justice. Would recommend as an adjunct to Finley Donovan.

Funny Story by Emily Henry

emotional funny lighthearted fast-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? Yes

4.0

Really liked this - read it in a single day when I was home sick from work. Predictable? Yes. Lovable and relatable characters? Yes. Best setting ever (Traverse City area)? Also yes. Thoroughly enjoyable, with more substance and plausibility than her last book. Well done.

The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas

dark emotional 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

3.5

These were complex, deeply flawed characters who did horrible things to one another - there was a lot going on but it was wrapped up nicely in the end, which was satisfying. The writing was taut and sensual. It reminded me of an Australian Megan Abbott novel. 

Women's Hotel by Daniel M. Lavery

emotional 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? Yes

1.5

If this wasn't a book club book, I'm not sure I would have finished. There was no plot to speak of - it was simply vignettes of women in a women's hotel in the middle of last century - and I could have overlooked that. But what I couldn't overlook was the absolute scorn the author seemed to have for his characters. I'm totally convinced this author doesn't like women, and he treated his own characters with such disdain, it was very off-putting. Not my fave.