lynnenad's reviews
156 reviews

The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith

adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.5

Love this detective series for a light, engaging, non-literary good time

The Narrow Road Between Desires by Patrick Rothfuss

mysterious relaxing slow-paced

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

3.0

I was excited to receive this book as a gift, being a big fan of Patrick Rothfuss’ previous novels and stories. I was a little disappointed by this one though. It was a little confusing with a structure that was several apparently unrelated interactions, and no connections made between them until the last few pages. It was also slow and had an in-built tedium. Descriptions of the main character scratching his cheek or having his second or third nap of the day seem unnecessary. 
It is possible that I missed a lot in my reading as it has been years since I read any of this author’s work. 

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

emotional reflective relaxing slow-paced

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

4.0

Reading this book was a charming and sensual experience but really, not much happened. It is a lovely exploration of the family described in the book but there are very few dramatic events. 
Not my favourite book by this author 

Dust by Hugh Howey

adventurous tense medium-paced

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

2.0

Complete waste of my time. The first book in the series (Wool) was excellent but it all went downhill from there in my opinion 

Flaubert's Parrot by Julian Barnes

challenging informative reflective slow-paced

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

4.5

This is a great literary work in the sense that it explores universal human truths. While reading it I stopped 5-10 times to think about “the truth” or otherwise of a point that was being made. 
I also laughed out loud multiple times. 
The author has had silly fun in the manner of writing, choosing different formats and different voices but it all hangs together and is easy to understand. 
Lots of excellent vocabulary as well. 
I continue to love this author’s work. 

The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton

dark emotional mysterious fast-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 enjoyed this book. The Erebus an element of mysterious “witchcraft” that keeps you guessing. Apart from that it is an interesting window into 17th century Amsterdam and it’s social history.

The whole calamitous train wreck at the end is heart wrenching

I recommend this book to any average book lover as one that can be enjoyed 

So You Want to Live Younger Longer? by Norman Swan

hopeful informative medium-paced

4.0

Most interesting although I find his writing style difficult to understand -perhaps too many analogies and metaphors? Overall though, very accessible science 

The Quiche of Death by M.C. Beaton

funny lighthearted relaxing fast-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? It's complicated

3.5

Excellent light-hearted fun. Like watching crap TV. Almost no brain input required at all to have a good time. 

The Ministry of Utmost Happiness by Arundhati Roy

challenging emotional informative 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? No

5.0

What an extraordinary book. Beautiful use of language. A little hard to read because there’s a cast of thousands and because it seems disjointed but it all comes together in the end. I learned a great deal about Kashmir, India and Pakistan. Highly recommend to any careful reader. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Torture

The Broken Eye by Brent Weeks

adventurous funny tense medium-paced

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

3.5

Maybe that’s enough of this series? This book needed a good editor. There were some terrific ideas that moved the plot along but long convoluted descriptions that didn’t add to the story and also a lot of intricate politics that I did not care for or about.