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lucybbookstuff's Reviews (376)
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Just find Tolkien a bit long-winded at times, also struggled a bit with the childishness of it, though I know it's literally meant for children lol. Otherwise, adorable and perfect.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
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:
Yes
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
[Many spoilers intermixed, not gonna tag them.]
Hmmmmm.
Well, okay. I did read this fast and I didn't have a bad time. I do think Casey McQuiston is a fun, engaging writer.
I thought the found family was, while somewhat tumblr-ish wish fulfillment, fun and wonderful.
But god damn. I knew pretty early on that the only way I'd be fully on board with this book is if it ends with everyone where they're *supposed* to be - that is, both alive, but August in 2020 and Jane in 1977. If it were to end with them together in either timeline, I was gonna roll my eyes so hard they might just pop out of my head and roll right into outer space.
And guess what? My eyes are about to land on the moon.
Sigh. I love a happy ending as much as the next person, but the tougher sell for me is cheese to the point of unbelievability. (Yes, I know the whole thing is fantastical, but you know what I mean.) The ending would have been so much more poignant if they had their fling, kept each other in their hearts, and went on with their lives with this epic story to tell, and August could find out Jane's history post-1977 (maybe Jane could leave clues around for her to find??) and Jane fines Augie in California and he doesn't die and... et cetera.
Idk. The last chapter was excruciatingly bad for me. I just felt let down. Once their romance left the train, it felt so contrived and wrong.
So yeah. Not my least favorite book. I did generally enjoy it. But the ending sucked.
Some other things that sucked:
- them frequently having sex on the subway??? I mean, I know they had nowhere else to go but... 🤮🤮🤮 I wouldn't put my clothed ass on my bed after sitting on the subway, let alone putting my BARE ASS ON THE SUBWAY.
- August's mom... irredeemable. Literally why would she go out of her way to have a kid when her whole life revolves around pathologically attempting to solve a missing person case??
- August dropping literally everything to help this girl she barely knows and Jane just letting her? Wtf? I know she comes to her senses and magically gets everything back in order (I find it completely unbelievable that she didn't flunk out of college), but that whole section gave me the ick.
Hmmmmm.
Well, okay. I did read this fast and I didn't have a bad time. I do think Casey McQuiston is a fun, engaging writer.
I thought the found family was, while somewhat tumblr-ish wish fulfillment, fun and wonderful.
But god damn. I knew pretty early on that the only way I'd be fully on board with this book is if it ends with everyone where they're *supposed* to be - that is, both alive, but August in 2020 and Jane in 1977. If it were to end with them together in either timeline, I was gonna roll my eyes so hard they might just pop out of my head and roll right into outer space.
And guess what? My eyes are about to land on the moon.
Sigh. I love a happy ending as much as the next person, but the tougher sell for me is cheese to the point of unbelievability. (Yes, I know the whole thing is fantastical, but you know what I mean.) The ending would have been so much more poignant if they had their fling, kept each other in their hearts, and went on with their lives with this epic story to tell, and August could find out Jane's history post-1977 (maybe Jane could leave clues around for her to find??) and Jane fines Augie in California and he doesn't die and... et cetera.
Idk. The last chapter was excruciatingly bad for me. I just felt let down. Once their romance left the train, it felt so contrived and wrong.
So yeah. Not my least favorite book. I did generally enjoy it. But the ending sucked.
Some other things that sucked:
- them frequently having sex on the subway??? I mean, I know they had nowhere else to go but... 🤮🤮🤮 I wouldn't put my clothed ass on my bed after sitting on the subway, let alone putting my BARE ASS ON THE SUBWAY.
- August's mom... irredeemable. Literally why would she go out of her way to have a kid when her whole life revolves around pathologically attempting to solve a missing person case??
- August dropping literally everything to help this girl she barely knows and Jane just letting her? Wtf? I know she comes to her senses and magically gets everything back in order (I find it completely unbelievable that she didn't flunk out of college), but that whole section gave me the ick.
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Omgggg. I was worried I would be disappointed by this book because my hopes were so high, but it exceeded expectations!!!! I loved so much about it, and not just because Polin has been so hyped for the show.
Colin is the first man in the series to not completely give me the ick (he did have some moments with his temper that I didn't love, though). He wasn't manipulative or totally hung up on having sex. He just loved her so much. 🥹
And Penelope finding her voice and learning to love herself (NOT just through the male gaze) was so powerful.
They are just so sweet. I love them. 😊
Now I'm a little worried the rest of the series can't possibly measure up lol, but I am a completionist, so I guess I'll find out!
Colin is the first man in the series to not completely give me the ick (he did have some moments with his temper that I didn't love, though). He wasn't manipulative or totally hung up on having sex. He just loved her so much. 🥹
And Penelope finding her voice and learning to love herself (NOT just through the male gaze) was so powerful.
They are just so sweet. I love them. 😊
Now I'm a little worried the rest of the series can't possibly measure up lol, but I am a completionist, so I guess I'll find out!
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
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:
Yes
I knew SJM had good writing in her somewhere!!! Lol. Seriously though. I feel that she really found her footing as a writer with this series. I love ACOTAR for the characters, but find the writing and world building leave much to be desired.
In this book, the world (while confusing at first) is super well done. I did have to get used to the modernity of it and I still find that a bit silly, but even so, the world knows exactly what it is and that went a long way for me.
And, perhaps because it's her first "adult" series (though I do not personally consider ACOTAR to be YA), but the writing felt a lot better and less cheesy. Like she has more faith in her readers' intelligence lol.
I absolutely loved the slow-burn romance, and how natural it felt. And that it wasn't part of some dumb love triangle. I loved the political intrigue. I can't wait for them to take down the system in future books (obviously that's what is being set up to happen lol). And I loved the mystery plot as well, it certainly kept me turning pages.
So pumped for book 2!!
In this book, the world (while confusing at first) is super well done. I did have to get used to the modernity of it and I still find that a bit silly, but even so, the world knows exactly what it is and that went a long way for me.
And, perhaps because it's her first "adult" series (though I do not personally consider ACOTAR to be YA), but the writing felt a lot better and less cheesy. Like she has more faith in her readers' intelligence lol.
I absolutely loved the slow-burn romance, and how natural it felt. And that it wasn't part of some dumb love triangle. I loved the political intrigue. I can't wait for them to take down the system in future books (obviously that's what is being set up to happen lol). And I loved the mystery plot as well, it certainly kept me turning pages.
So pumped for book 2!!
challenging
funny
informative
medium-paced
I don't like philosophy, but I love Mike Schur, so I chose this thinking maybe it could get me more interested in philosophy.
Well, it didn't lol. But I still enjoyed it because Schur is funny and having The Good Place actors narrate bits was an excellent choice.
Personally, I've come to realize that I simply cannot be compelled to care about philosophy. I just don't give a shit which person or ism I'm inadvertently following when making moral decisions. I find discussions of philosophy entirely pretentious and inaccessible at the core.
Despite that, though, I really do applaud Schur for trying to makr philosophy more accessible for the general public. No amount of accessibility will make me care lol, but I'm still glad he did it, and he did it to the very best of his ability.
My favorite part was the last quarter or so, when he admits that it's all very confusing, being a human is messy, and we should all just try our best. And he gives some very followable advice in the form of a letter to his kids, which was very sweet.
A great, educational nonfiction read! That just happens to be about stuff I couldn't care less about. 😁
Well, it didn't lol. But I still enjoyed it because Schur is funny and having The Good Place actors narrate bits was an excellent choice.
Personally, I've come to realize that I simply cannot be compelled to care about philosophy. I just don't give a shit which person or ism I'm inadvertently following when making moral decisions. I find discussions of philosophy entirely pretentious and inaccessible at the core.
Despite that, though, I really do applaud Schur for trying to makr philosophy more accessible for the general public. No amount of accessibility will make me care lol, but I'm still glad he did it, and he did it to the very best of his ability.
My favorite part was the last quarter or so, when he admits that it's all very confusing, being a human is messy, and we should all just try our best. And he gives some very followable advice in the form of a letter to his kids, which was very sweet.
A great, educational nonfiction read! That just happens to be about stuff I couldn't care less about. 😁
DNF after 4 chapters. 😬
Picked up for the genre challenge sapphic romance prompt. Very well loved on booktok, figured I'd give it a try. However, for what is described as a pretty typical romance, it clearly isn't and it just has me confused and frustrated. And I've hardly even begun to read it. The poetic try-hard writing style just is not working for me. I haven't read a single sentence that endears me to the main character, much less any side characters. We keep getting short anecdotes and feelings about characters but no actual character building. And you're really telling me this woman gets married, doesn't remember who or why, and then just goes about her life calm as a cucumber?!
I know it's early, but I am just thinking, if the whole book is written like this, it's gonna be a very unenjoyable slog. I will find a different book for the prompt. 🙃
Picked up for the genre challenge sapphic romance prompt. Very well loved on booktok, figured I'd give it a try. However, for what is described as a pretty typical romance, it clearly isn't and it just has me confused and frustrated. And I've hardly even begun to read it. The poetic try-hard writing style just is not working for me. I haven't read a single sentence that endears me to the main character, much less any side characters. We keep getting short anecdotes and feelings about characters but no actual character building. And you're really telling me this woman gets married, doesn't remember who or why, and then just goes about her life calm as a cucumber?!
I know it's early, but I am just thinking, if the whole book is written like this, it's gonna be a very unenjoyable slog. I will find a different book for the prompt. 🙃
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Okayyyy the Bridgerton books are getting goodddd!!!! 👏🏼👏🏼
It may have partially been that I was comparing the first two to the show, but I also think this romance was just all-around more compelling. I really liked Sophie. And Benedict was good, too. 😜 The men in these are generally kind of icky, or at least have very icky moments, however I'm trying not to let that bother me too much seeing as it's probably somewhat historically accurate. Not to mention these were written 20 years ago. Sensibilities change. Plus, the men always realize how icky they were being eventually lol.
Onto Polin!! 😍😀
It may have partially been that I was comparing the first two to the show, but I also think this romance was just all-around more compelling. I really liked Sophie. And Benedict was good, too. 😜 The men in these are generally kind of icky, or at least have very icky moments, however I'm trying not to let that bother me too much seeing as it's probably somewhat historically accurate. Not to mention these were written 20 years ago. Sensibilities change. Plus, the men always realize how icky they were being eventually lol.
Onto Polin!! 😍😀
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The semi-cons:
- Relatively slow, choppy start; perhaps a few too many character perspectives? Idk, I wouldn't personally get rid of any of them, but they were introduced in very quick succession and it got a little tiresome.
- I have a hard time suspending my disbelief in magical realism/sci fi, especially when we don't ever get an explanation. The whole unlikely existence of the strings was distracting me for a while... but thankfully the character stories overruled that eventually.
- The allegory was a bit heavy-handed at times, but meh. I'm mad enough about the real world issues that I was mostly agreeing with the book's sentiment.
- Kinda cheesy for my taste... but not so much that it ruined it.
Okay! Otherwise, I really really liked this book. It was very thought-provoking. The characters were loveable af (with the exception of Anthony and Katherine...). I don't want to get into every detail, but I just really identified with the ideas in the book.
It did take a little while to get really interesting, but once it did, my jaw dropped multiple times at some of the character connections. And the inscription on the bench???? Pls. 🥲
Great read! Excited to discuss at book club.
- Relatively slow, choppy start; perhaps a few too many character perspectives? Idk, I wouldn't personally get rid of any of them, but they were introduced in very quick succession and it got a little tiresome.
- I have a hard time suspending my disbelief in magical realism/sci fi, especially when we don't ever get an explanation. The whole unlikely existence of the strings was distracting me for a while... but thankfully the character stories overruled that eventually.
- The allegory was a bit heavy-handed at times, but meh. I'm mad enough about the real world issues that I was mostly agreeing with the book's sentiment.
- Kinda cheesy for my taste... but not so much that it ruined it.
Okay! Otherwise, I really really liked this book. It was very thought-provoking. The characters were loveable af (with the exception of Anthony and Katherine...). I don't want to get into every detail, but I just really identified with the ideas in the book.
Great read! Excited to discuss at book club.
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Not the most perfectly written novel, but it kept me guessing and turning pages. I did somewhat guess the twist, but not the whole thing.
I appreciated the short chapters.
Also, I've heard complaints about this book from a lot of women saying they don't like how he writes women. Which is totally valid and those opinions aren't wrong. But personally, I didn't take issue with the way he wrote the female characters in particular. I honestly found *all* his characters to be written as cliche stereotypes. Rolled my eyes at all of them at some point, I'm sure lol.
For a while, I was pretty convinced that the narrator was just a complete idiot, so I was happy to find out that wasn't necessarily the case. 😂
Honestly, it just felt good to read a book fast! It had been a while. I just needed a good mystery to keep me reading, and on that score, it delivered. So I will probably keep reading this author.
I appreciated the short chapters.
Also, I've heard complaints about this book from a lot of women saying they don't like how he writes women. Which is totally valid and those opinions aren't wrong. But personally, I didn't take issue with the way he wrote the female characters in particular. I honestly found *all* his characters to be written as cliche stereotypes. Rolled my eyes at all of them at some point, I'm sure lol.
Honestly, it just felt good to read a book fast! It had been a while. I just needed a good mystery to keep me reading, and on that score, it delivered. So I will probably keep reading this author.