lmrajt's reviews
1186 reviews

Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors

dark emotional reflective 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

4.0

I almost had to quit this one a few times because it was so raw and sad initially, and I find books about addiction so difficult to read. I'm so glad I stuck around to read this beautiful writing and witness a beautiful bond between three vastly different but very close sisters. The epilogue alone, chef's kiss.

First Comes Love by Emily Giffin

emotional reflective fast-paced

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

3.75

This was super enjoyable, light but introspective at the same time. I avoided Emily Giffin for a long time because I thought she was "just" a romance novelist, but her books are actually a lot more substantial than I thought. The focus here was really on sisterhood and family ties, and the romance piece was done really well too. Did everyone else hate Meredith, or was it just me?

By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult

informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

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

4.25

This would have been a 5 if I had liked Melina a little bit more. But still - this will stick with me for a long time. Shakespeare is a con-man and the very idea of him is fraudulent? I'm all in. It was very slow to start and Emilia's life was so painful, especially the 13 year-old marrying a 56 year-old. I guess such as life back then. It ended on an inspiring and hopeful note, at least! Will definitely recommend this one to others.

The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
Did not finish book. Stopped at 12%.

Just couldn't get into it.

Hello, Molly! by Molly Shannon

funny inspiring fast-paced

4.0

Sweet and enjoyable, like Molly seems to be herself. What a delightful and inspiring read, and it sounded so authentically LIKE her. 

The Divorce Party by Laura Dave

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? Yes

2.0

Something about this book felt a little off to me. I didn't find the characters likable or relatable, so I think that was the main problem. And it felt like the author maybe tried to squeeze a little too much in - it would have benefitted from some editing. None of the questions really seemed to get answered. I thought about quitting a few times but ultimately did not.

Five-Star Stranger by Kat Tang

adventurous emotional reflective fast-paced

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

3.0

This was a book club book, and the premise was absolutely fascinating. Yet we all felt like we were left wanting more... a more satisfying ending for sure, but also more insight into the character's behavior (sex with the woman who looked just like his deceased mom? Et cetera.)

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

adventurous funny reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Fascinating premise and genuinely funny. Sometimes it was uneven, a downer. But really enjoyable.

Slow Horses by Mick Herron
Did not finish book. Stopped at 5%.

I simply could not follow what was happening.

One Day by David Nicholls
Did not finish book. Stopped at 5%.

The lead male character was so obnoxious - I just couldn’t do it,