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midwifereading's reviews
819 reviews
The Midwife Murders by Richard DiLallo, James Patterson
dark
tense
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? No
0.25
The ONLY reason I didn't DNF this one is because I do collect books that feature midwives - fiction and non. So, it's staying on my shelves purely for that reason.
It was the first James Patterson novel I have ever read, and it will be the last. He is not for me.
Every single character feels like a token character. I knew whodunnit from the first time I met him (it's the OB/gyn). The protagonist is... something. She makes no sense as a human being. She's a shrill banshee of a woman, shallow, selfish, and totally NOT representative of midwifery. And not in the cool, badass kind of way. She's immature, one-dimensional, and boring.
As a midwife, I was sorely disappointed in the complete and utter mishandling of midwifery and what it means. Patterson apparently consulted with a couple of midwives, but I am 99% sure he dismissed 99% of what they said and sacrificed realism for a bad narrative. A narrative held together by paper clips and spitballs, probably. It's that untenable.
I do NOT expect 100% accuracy in fiction, but I do expect something that those who aren't familiar with midwifery can find believable. This is not that.
Some say these kinds of books are palate cleansers. But can't a palate cleanser still be pretty good? Like lime sherbet?
It was the first James Patterson novel I have ever read, and it will be the last. He is not for me.
Every single character feels like a token character. I knew whodunnit from the first time I met him (it's the OB/gyn). The protagonist is... something. She makes no sense as a human being. She's a shrill banshee of a woman, shallow, selfish, and totally NOT representative of midwifery. And not in the cool, badass kind of way. She's immature, one-dimensional, and boring.
As a midwife, I was sorely disappointed in the complete and utter mishandling of midwifery and what it means. Patterson apparently consulted with a couple of midwives, but I am 99% sure he dismissed 99% of what they said and sacrificed realism for a bad narrative. A narrative held together by paper clips and spitballs, probably. It's that untenable.
I do NOT expect 100% accuracy in fiction, but I do expect something that those who aren't familiar with midwifery can find believable. This is not that.
Some say these kinds of books are palate cleansers. But can't a palate cleanser still be pretty good? Like lime sherbet?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Cursing and Medical trauma
Minor: Suicide
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.5
This book is character-driven vacation with some deep substance to it. When people talk about books as palate cleansers, THIS is what I want them to mean: Something well-written, light, happy, and with just enough conflict to create reasons to root for the characters. A book that leaves your heart feeling wrapped in a sturdy, squeezy, anxiety-calming HUG.
This book is so sweet and cozy and cheerful and homey! I loved every minute in this unnamed country, with this rag-tag found family of ostracized kids. I'm not going to say another word about any of the kids -- it would steal some of your delight when you meet them. Go into this one as fresh as you can!
The main character, Linus, is an absolute dear! He's a true everyman, just doing the best he can with what he has, trying so hard to do everything by the book, until he meets those who never have and never will fit into the book. At all.
He is kind, thoughtful, thorough, and open-hearted. His chemistry with the kids is pure sweetness, and he treats each one with the dignity and kindness they deserve, even though he's quite discombobulated when he meets them.
And when push comes to shove, he can certainly hold his own! His character arc is wonderful, and he finds that he does, indeed, have a rather sturdy backbone.
I loved it and can't wait to read the next one in the series!
This book is so sweet and cozy and cheerful and homey! I loved every minute in this unnamed country, with this rag-tag found family of ostracized kids. I'm not going to say another word about any of the kids -- it would steal some of your delight when you meet them. Go into this one as fresh as you can!
The main character, Linus, is an absolute dear! He's a true everyman, just doing the best he can with what he has, trying so hard to do everything by the book, until he meets those who never have and never will fit into the book. At all.
He is kind, thoughtful, thorough, and open-hearted. His chemistry with the kids is pure sweetness, and he treats each one with the dignity and kindness they deserve, even though he's quite discombobulated when he meets them.
And when push comes to shove, he can certainly hold his own! His character arc is wonderful, and he finds that he does, indeed, have a rather sturdy backbone.
I loved it and can't wait to read the next one in the series!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Xenophobia, and Abandonment
Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith by Jon Krakauer
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
This book is a lot to process in relatively little time. I don't even have much to say. The brutality underscoring the whole thing is intense.
On the one hand, I learned quite a bit about the history and founding of the LDS church, and where FLDS sects sprang from. The history alone is enough to digest, but when it's intertwined with the murder of a woman and her 15 month old baby girl...
One could almost argue that, without the extreme fundamentalist beliefs, the murders wouldn't have happened. Then again, if it wasn't FLDS, the Lafferty brothers likely would have found something else to justify their violence. We can never know what would have happened, but this book paints a vivid picture that is impossible to ignore.
TW: Some graphic violence, including sexual, is present. It includes graphic descriptions of several murders, and non-graphic but plainly explained sexual violence against women and children. It's all in a journalistic style, with stark language.
On the one hand, I learned quite a bit about the history and founding of the LDS church, and where FLDS sects sprang from. The history alone is enough to digest, but when it's intertwined with the murder of a woman and her 15 month old baby girl...
One could almost argue that, without the extreme fundamentalist beliefs, the murders wouldn't have happened. Then again, if it wasn't FLDS, the Lafferty brothers likely would have found something else to justify their violence. We can never know what would have happened, but this book paints a vivid picture that is impossible to ignore.
TW: Some graphic violence, including sexual, is present. It includes graphic descriptions of several murders, and non-graphic but plainly explained sexual violence against women and children. It's all in a journalistic style, with stark language.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, and Murder
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Incest, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Sexual violence, and Violence
Minor: Cursing, Racism, and Cultural appropriation
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I have now read at least three Russian classics: Anna Karenina, War & Peace, and now Crime & Punishment. Of the three, I think the latter is my favorite.
Opening with a bloody murder is a bold move, and watching the murderer struggle on the brink of madness for however many pages (a lot) was quite the journey.
My favorite characters where the two young women, Dunya and Sonya, along with Razumikhin (the murderer's BFF). They reflect all that is good in the world, while still carrying human flaws.
The main character (and murderer), Raskolnikov, was complex and interesting, and entirely unlikeable. And frankly, his "punishment" was pretty unsatisfying, and the ending was far softer than I thought it would be.
I did listen on audio to the unabridged version, and the narrator was amazing.
Opening with a bloody murder is a bold move, and watching the murderer struggle on the brink of madness for however many pages (a lot) was quite the journey.
My favorite characters where the two young women, Dunya and Sonya, along with Razumikhin (the murderer's BFF). They reflect all that is good in the world, while still carrying human flaws.
The main character (and murderer), Raskolnikov, was complex and interesting, and entirely unlikeable. And frankly, his "punishment" was pretty unsatisfying, and the ending was far softer than I thought it would be.
I did listen on audio to the unabridged version, and the narrator was amazing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Murder
Moderate: Child abuse, Suicide, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Rules of Civility by Amor Towles
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This book was a lovely change of pace. While it's not slow moving, it is softly paced, and feels quiet.
I don't actually know how to describe the feeling it left me with, but it's a mix of longing, fondness, and goodwill. This is a rainy day book. It belongs with a handmade afghan, a cup of something warm, and the kind of drizzle found in the city in a black & white movie.
Amor Towles knows how to write authentic, organic characters. Each person in these pages is unique, and he does an amazing job introducing each one so it doesn't take much time to have a sense of who they are, their strengths, and their flaws.
It feels very true-to-life, but it also feels like it could end up a fairy tale if it weren't for the real world. I don't know if that makes sense, but it's how it left me feeling.
I don't actually know how to describe the feeling it left me with, but it's a mix of longing, fondness, and goodwill. This is a rainy day book. It belongs with a handmade afghan, a cup of something warm, and the kind of drizzle found in the city in a black & white movie.
Amor Towles knows how to write authentic, organic characters. Each person in these pages is unique, and he does an amazing job introducing each one so it doesn't take much time to have a sense of who they are, their strengths, and their flaws.
It feels very true-to-life, but it also feels like it could end up a fairy tale if it weren't for the real world. I don't know if that makes sense, but it's how it left me feeling.
Can't Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I'm disappointed, and almost DNF'd it 1/3 of the way in. I was bored, frankly. I finished solely in order to participate in an upcoming book club at my local used bookstore.
I will give credit where credit is due, however, and say that I liked the magic system and the dragons. I actually think the dragons had more depth and dimension than all the other characters combined, including the main characters. The magic system seems pretty simple and straightforward with rules that feel believable, and I quite liked the ley line setup for magic. It's interesting.
These are the only reasons I bumped it to two stars, making the book *okay* instead of outright bad.
This was my first experience with cozy fantasy, and I have a feeling it wasn't the best place to start.
As other reviewers have said, far better than I could, there was entirely too much telling, and very little showing. The characters are all one-dimensional, and there is not a single character arc to be found. Not one. It feels very convenient and sitcom-ish as far as the people are concerned.
The so-called villain is a cartoon, recalling the Queen of Hearts in Disney's Alice in Wonderland -- but if she were the "We have Disney at home" version. The Disney version is more terrifying.
There's also very little attention to detail. In a world where we might assume there are no stretch fabrics, how would a person wear form-fitting clothes and be able to move well? Do we need long, flowery descriptions? Nope. But, some basic understanding of fabrics available in a traditional fantasy setting and who might wear what wouldn't go amiss. Granted, it's fantasy. You can technically do what you want, because it's all made up anyway, so maybe I'm just nitpicking.
Anyway. I am somewhat interested in what happens with the dragon eggs. I'm not sure if I will pick up the next one or not. This is Thorne's debut, so I assume she'll grow and refine her talent (she does have talent), and maybe the next one will be better.
I will give credit where credit is due, however, and say that I liked the magic system and the dragons. I actually think the dragons had more depth and dimension than all the other characters combined, including the main characters. The magic system seems pretty simple and straightforward with rules that feel believable, and I quite liked the ley line setup for magic. It's interesting.
These are the only reasons I bumped it to two stars, making the book *okay* instead of outright bad.
This was my first experience with cozy fantasy, and I have a feeling it wasn't the best place to start.
As other reviewers have said, far better than I could, there was entirely too much telling, and very little showing. The characters are all one-dimensional, and there is not a single character arc to be found. Not one. It feels very convenient and sitcom-ish as far as the people are concerned.
The so-called villain is a cartoon, recalling the Queen of Hearts in Disney's Alice in Wonderland -- but if she were the "We have Disney at home" version. The Disney version is more terrifying.
There's also very little attention to detail. In a world where we might assume there are no stretch fabrics, how would a person wear form-fitting clothes and be able to move well? Do we need long, flowery descriptions? Nope. But, some basic understanding of fabrics available in a traditional fantasy setting and who might wear what wouldn't go amiss. Granted, it's fantasy. You can technically do what you want, because it's all made up anyway, so maybe I'm just nitpicking.
Anyway. I am somewhat interested in what happens with the dragon eggs. I'm not sure if I will pick up the next one or not. This is Thorne's debut, so I assume she'll grow and refine her talent (she does have talent), and maybe the next one will be better.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Theft of Swords by Michael J. Sullivan
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I quite enjoyed this book, and plan to read the rest of the series, because I feel invested in the story.
The older I get, the more I value character-driven books. Not that I don't enjoy a fast-paced plot with lots of action and suspense, because I do! But, characters are important. While Sullivan does a good job overall at giving each character their own footprint, none are really as rich or layered as they could be. While they're not great, they are believable, and I can appreciate that enough to care about them.
I think what Theft of Swords does well makes up for a cast of characters that don't really have much complexity to them.
The world they inhabit is clear and full, with a believable and beautiful geography, and a rich history. The magic system feels natural for the story and the setting, complete with a bit of mystery to it. The writing itself is well-paced, easy to follow, and encouraged me to keep turning the pages. Overall, it's a fun, quick read.
I have some problems with some of the writing knocking me out of the world sometimes. For example, one wounded character is wrapped in bandages "like a mummy." Excuse me? Is there an ancient Egyptian empire in Elan? 🤔 There are a lot of similar examples throughout that I had to just accept and move on.
In addition, when we meet Esrahaddon, a 900-year-old wizard, he speaks the way the world did in his day. And it's glorious! And kind of funny. Until Hadrian and Royce convince him to learn modern idioms and grammar instead. This disappointed me greatly! Maintaining his use of Old Speech would have, for me, deepened the world immersion by leaps and bounds! Instead, we have a cast of characters who all speak the same way. None of them really has a unique voice all their own.
All in all, if you're looking into trying fantasy, Theft of Swords would be a great way to start.
The older I get, the more I value character-driven books. Not that I don't enjoy a fast-paced plot with lots of action and suspense, because I do! But, characters are important. While Sullivan does a good job overall at giving each character their own footprint, none are really as rich or layered as they could be. While they're not great, they are believable, and I can appreciate that enough to care about them.
I think what Theft of Swords does well makes up for a cast of characters that don't really have much complexity to them.
The world they inhabit is clear and full, with a believable and beautiful geography, and a rich history. The magic system feels natural for the story and the setting, complete with a bit of mystery to it. The writing itself is well-paced, easy to follow, and encouraged me to keep turning the pages. Overall, it's a fun, quick read.
I have some problems with some of the writing knocking me out of the world sometimes. For example, one wounded character is wrapped in bandages "like a mummy." Excuse me? Is there an ancient Egyptian empire in Elan? 🤔 There are a lot of similar examples throughout that I had to just accept and move on.
In addition, when we meet Esrahaddon, a 900-year-old wizard, he speaks the way the world did in his day. And it's glorious! And kind of funny. Until Hadrian and Royce convince him to learn modern idioms and grammar instead. This disappointed me greatly! Maintaining his use of Old Speech would have, for me, deepened the world immersion by leaps and bounds! Instead, we have a cast of characters who all speak the same way. None of them really has a unique voice all their own.
All in all, if you're looking into trying fantasy, Theft of Swords would be a great way to start.
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I genuinely liked it quite a lot, but I wouldn't say I *loved* it. However, it's such a well-written story that 3 stars doesn't cut it.
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is a window into a culture I am not remotely familiar with, and yet there are universal human truths that I recognize. The struggle between pleasing and helping your family, or throwing it all away isn't something most of us in the U.S. have to worry about. Especially in the 21st century. Yet, the struggle to be SEEN is still very familiar. It hits close to home.
Most of all, the misunderstanding between lifelong friends connects like a solid right hook. These friends are akin to what Anne Shirley means when she calls Diana her "bosom friend." This friendship is serious. And it all falls apart over a single sentence. 💔
The resolution comes too late in some ways, and is a reminder never to take for granted that you know anyone's intentions without asking them.
I want to read it again at some point. Beautiful book.
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is a window into a culture I am not remotely familiar with, and yet there are universal human truths that I recognize. The struggle between pleasing and helping your family, or throwing it all away isn't something most of us in the U.S. have to worry about. Especially in the 21st century. Yet, the struggle to be SEEN is still very familiar. It hits close to home.
Most of all, the misunderstanding between lifelong friends connects like a solid right hook. These friends are akin to what Anne Shirley means when she calls Diana her "bosom friend." This friendship is serious. And it all falls apart over a single sentence. 💔
The resolution comes too late in some ways, and is a reminder never to take for granted that you know anyone's intentions without asking them.
I want to read it again at some point. Beautiful book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
Moderate: Domestic abuse
There are detailed descriptions of foot binding, and the physical and emotional toll it takes on the girls. One young girl dies from sepsis as a direct result.
Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Everything about this book feels real. Shakespeare is never once mentioned by name, and that's because he's not the center of this story. Instead, we find Agnes, his wife, at the center. Everything revolves around her--an intelligent, intuitive, and strong healer and mother who could not save her son.
Hamnet is a book about grief. Especially the grief of losing a child. It's very human, very rich, and very poetic. There's a dreamlike quality to it that suits the story, and it should be ready on a gloomy, rainy day.
O'Farrell paints a vivid picture of both the characters and the setting. The book has a strong sense of place and time, and the setting is almost a character itself. In addition, each character stands out as a richly colored portrait with depth and color and feeling. I found myself utterly lost in the pages.
I loved it.
Hamnet is a book about grief. Especially the grief of losing a child. It's very human, very rich, and very poetic. There's a dreamlike quality to it that suits the story, and it should be ready on a gloomy, rainy day.
O'Farrell paints a vivid picture of both the characters and the setting. The book has a strong sense of place and time, and the setting is almost a character itself. In addition, each character stands out as a richly colored portrait with depth and color and feeling. I found myself utterly lost in the pages.
I loved it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Terminal illness
Minor: Sexual content