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lucibello's reviews
68 reviews

Flappers and Philosophers by F. Scott Fitzgerald

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

3.5

Some of the short stories were a slower read, some very enjoyable and light-hearted. Some had excellent character development, some didn't necessarily. Just the same, the writing is excellent.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

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emotional inspiring reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I read this aloud to my children years ago, and just convinced my book club to give it a try (never having chosen children lit). Reading it again, I felt it all again. Beautiful, poignant, reflective, and sweet. 
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

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reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book was eloquently written and captured human nature well. The story had a natural flow to it, never getting bogged down with one part or another. I found the narrator (Nick Caraway) very pleasing, and in this audiobook with Sean Austin reading, I felt the character come alive.
The Loser Letters: A Comic Tale of Life, Death, and Atheism by Mary Eberstadt

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

3.0

I have heard the author interviewed and really appreciate her. The premise of this book was fantastic. I just didn't care enough for the main character, and I felt like the main character did way too much foreshadowing about how she was going to explain her situation and her last letter, which started to grate me. Overall, I found some enjoyment in the book but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it.
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Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen

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adventurous challenging dark inspiring reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

As a therapist to middle school boys with serious emotional disturbances, I chose to read this one aloud. The Alaskan culture comes through very clearly, which entices the young male reader. The main character is harsh and doubt of control, but as the story unfolds you discover his need to forgive and to be forgiven. It is an extremely touching book that creates insight into humanity.
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The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel

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dark emotional sad tense fast-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? It's complicated

4.5

The Guide to Interpersonal Psychotherapy: Updated and Expanded Edition by Gerald L. Klerman, Myrna M. Weissman, John C. Markowitz

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informative slow-paced

3.5

I appreciated the sections on use of this modality for specific diagnoses, but it was a fairly dry text to read.
The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner

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mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I could hardly put this one down. I found the story enthralling, and I enjoyed the historical aspects as well.
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The Julian Chapter by R.J. Palacio

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challenging emotional inspiring reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The Unteachables by Gordon Korman

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funny hopeful inspiring 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? Yes

5.0

I was a middle school contained classroom therapist. The author knew the kids very well. The characters were extremely lovable and authentic, and I was character development in both the kids and the adults.