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midwifereading's reviews
819 reviews
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.5
I loved it!
I knew it would be a humorous story, but I didn't anticipate an absolutely ridiculous, far-fetched, hilarious romp!
As humorous as it is, it has some good substance to it. It's not just a random assortment of unlikely adventures, though it is that too. It's about optimism, and what it means to live life to the fullest. Taking everything as it comes with a down-to-earth, relaxed practicality, Allan responds with calm creativity and humor to every obstacle and never seems to get ruffled.
Whether he's having dinner with Stalin, incarcerated in an asylum, or making friends with an elephant, Allan is at home wherever he is to sometimes disastrous, but always fortuitous, results.
It's utterly absurd, and I enjoyed every minute!
I knew it would be a humorous story, but I didn't anticipate an absolutely ridiculous, far-fetched, hilarious romp!
As humorous as it is, it has some good substance to it. It's not just a random assortment of unlikely adventures, though it is that too. It's about optimism, and what it means to live life to the fullest. Taking everything as it comes with a down-to-earth, relaxed practicality, Allan responds with calm creativity and humor to every obstacle and never seems to get ruffled.
Whether he's having dinner with Stalin, incarcerated in an asylum, or making friends with an elephant, Allan is at home wherever he is to sometimes disastrous, but always fortuitous, results.
It's utterly absurd, and I enjoyed every minute!
Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I read this one as part of my 12 book recommendations from 12 friends in 12 months challenge, and while I can see why the recommender loves it so much, it's not really my thing.
I have never been big on stories where romance is the entire plot, and this one wasn't an exception. Romance as a subplot, as one facet of a larger story, or as one factor in the development of an amazing character is great. But as the whole entire story? 🤷🏻♀️
I do agree with some other reviews who note that the characters all feel a bit flat, without a lot of dimension or layers, so if character driven books are your thing, this one may not be one you'll enjoy. Then again, I am far removed from the target audience (older teens), so that probably has a lot to do with it. I can see why young adults would enjoy it.
It's kind of a sweet, light, springy read. But even in my light reading, I need something to bite into, and this one is cotton candy. It doesn't really do it for me.
Also. I listened to it on audio, so all the text messages starting with the sender's initials drove me batty. Probably not an issue with the physical book or on Kindle.
I have never been big on stories where romance is the entire plot, and this one wasn't an exception. Romance as a subplot, as one facet of a larger story, or as one factor in the development of an amazing character is great. But as the whole entire story? 🤷🏻♀️
I do agree with some other reviews who note that the characters all feel a bit flat, without a lot of dimension or layers, so if character driven books are your thing, this one may not be one you'll enjoy. Then again, I am far removed from the target audience (older teens), so that probably has a lot to do with it. I can see why young adults would enjoy it.
It's kind of a sweet, light, springy read. But even in my light reading, I need something to bite into, and this one is cotton candy. It doesn't really do it for me.
Also. I listened to it on audio, so all the text messages starting with the sender's initials drove me batty. Probably not an issue with the physical book or on Kindle.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing
The Arabian Nights by Unknown
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
I hate rating classics...but if I stick to how it made me feel, then, it's two stars. Squarely in the "It was okay" space for me.
This version is apparently considered the closest to the original Syrian manuscript, and doesn't have Aladdin, Ali-Baba, or Sindbad. Go figure I would pick the version without anything I had previously heard of!
That's okay though. It's quite weird enough for my 21st century eyes.
Weird.
Women are either sex objects or sorceresses (and always property). Men are all the "most handsomest." Throw in a few magic demons (djinn, really), lots of swooning and pining and you've got the idea.
Still, the poetic, lyrical style is beautiful. Just because it's out of my depth, culturally, doesn't mean it doesn't have value. Another classic that was worth my time.
This version is apparently considered the closest to the original Syrian manuscript, and doesn't have Aladdin, Ali-Baba, or Sindbad. Go figure I would pick the version without anything I had previously heard of!
That's okay though. It's quite weird enough for my 21st century eyes.
Weird.
Women are either sex objects or sorceresses (and always property). Men are all the "most handsomest." Throw in a few magic demons (djinn, really), lots of swooning and pining and you've got the idea.
Still, the poetic, lyrical style is beautiful. Just because it's out of my depth, culturally, doesn't mean it doesn't have value. Another classic that was worth my time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
Moderate: Sexual content and Violence
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
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? No
5.0
What in the world do I say about one of the greatest works of all time? And who cares about my opinion, anyway? 😳
I wasn't sure what to expect going in, but I certainly didn't expect an engaging story that felt so personal and intimate. Neither did I expect some deeply philosophical historical essays sprinkled generously throughout! (I admit that I skimmed some of those--they were above my pay grade, and I just didn't have the bandwidth sometimes.)
I am glad I read it, but my goodness! 1,358 pages is a lot! I'm not afraid of big books, but some go down easier than others! This one took work, and it was worth the effort.
I can see why it has stood the test of time, and I wish I could have read it in Russian and French. The afterword and the translator's notes made me realize just how much of Tolstoy's message is missed without the ability to read it in the original languages. Reading all of it in English leaves so much nuance out. Still, the bright glimpse into Russian culture of the 19th century was amazing. I had to google a lot, but I kind of enjoy books that actually give me a window into another part of the world.
Normally, I would give this one three stars, because I liked it. However I'm going to give this one ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Because Tolstoy earned it. It's an amazing book, regardless of how I feel about it.
I wasn't sure what to expect going in, but I certainly didn't expect an engaging story that felt so personal and intimate. Neither did I expect some deeply philosophical historical essays sprinkled generously throughout! (I admit that I skimmed some of those--they were above my pay grade, and I just didn't have the bandwidth sometimes.)
I am glad I read it, but my goodness! 1,358 pages is a lot! I'm not afraid of big books, but some go down easier than others! This one took work, and it was worth the effort.
I can see why it has stood the test of time, and I wish I could have read it in Russian and French. The afterword and the translator's notes made me realize just how much of Tolstoy's message is missed without the ability to read it in the original languages. Reading all of it in English leaves so much nuance out. Still, the bright glimpse into Russian culture of the 19th century was amazing. I had to google a lot, but I kind of enjoy books that actually give me a window into another part of the world.
Normally, I would give this one three stars, because I liked it. However I'm going to give this one ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Because Tolstoy earned it. It's an amazing book, regardless of how I feel about it.
Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
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
3.5
I was ready to love this book. I love sci-fi thrillers, and I heard that it wasn't as "horror-ish" as many other books labeled as horror. Plus, mermaids. Of course I picked it up! 🧜🏻♀️
But I have mixed feelings.
First, what I liked. The mermaids/sirens. Guys. 😳 They were so well-written, beautiful, terrifying, and realistic. The research that went into this book was obviously deep and meticulous. It rivals a good Crichton novel, frankly. We get a couple of places where the POV is theirs, and those are fantastic!
The tension and suspense are also well done, in my opinion, and even when you can tell, before the character realizes it, THAT THERE'S A SIREN ON THE CEILING, it still plays well. If it were a movie, you'd want to yell at the characters to turn around and run. So obviously, it kept me turning the pages. It's exactly what you expect in a thriller as far as that goes, though the body count isn't as high as I expected among the cast of characters. (Yes, I'm a little bummed--not enough blood and torn clothes and messy hair at the end, lol.)
There is also a chapter from the POV of some dolphins trained to attempt communication with the monsters, and that was one of my favorites. I wish it had been longer. The author's talent shines in these alternate POV passages, in my opinion.
The first death scene we witness is intense, claustrophobic, and frightening. I loved it!!! This character, of course, thinks she can push the limits , ignores her safety team, then pays the price spectacularly! There's a certain poetry to her death that sets up the rest of the story so well, a la Crichton, and then...well...it gets stickier after that.
Grant's writing style feels very young -- not immature, by any means, but definitely young. A lot of on-the-nose exposition regarding some heavier topics that felt out of place and shoehorned in. I can't really put my finger on why, but I imagine experience will really hone the author's skill, and I can see her becoming a truly great sci-fi writer.
Her characters are all pretty well sketched out, but don't feel finished. My favorites were Jillian Toth and Luis Martines, although I really only liked Luis. I agree with other reviewers that note that the interactions between characters don't feel quite organic, especially the mini-romance-subplot between Olivia and Tory. It just feels out of place to me. Man-eating mermaids on the loose and two people already dead? Sure! Let's get it on! Um. What? 🤷🏻♀️
Also. There were a lot of parenthetical passages that really didn't need to be there. Almost like an afterthought shoved in so we can understand what's going on in someone's mind. This is one area where I can see something really unique in her writing style that I think could very well turn out to be her signature, and the thing that makes her great. She's not there yet, but I hope she keeps going.
As for the ending, I felt as though none of the characters really accomplished what they set out to do, except (maybe) Jillian. It was a little unsatisfying to me, for a few reasons. While I don't need everything tied up in a neat little bow, I do need some closure. It's not "cliffhangery" enough to leave me wanting more, and not "answery" enough to leave me some satisfaction. It felt...abrupt.
Again -- I think Grant has something amazing to offer, and I hope she keeps writing. Especially about these sirens.🤩
But I have mixed feelings.
First, what I liked. The mermaids/sirens. Guys. 😳 They were so well-written, beautiful, terrifying, and realistic. The research that went into this book was obviously deep and meticulous. It rivals a good Crichton novel, frankly. We get a couple of places where the POV is theirs, and those are fantastic!
The tension and suspense are also well done, in my opinion, and even when you can tell, before the character realizes it, THAT THERE'S A SIREN ON THE CEILING, it still plays well. If it were a movie, you'd want to yell at the characters to turn around and run. So obviously, it kept me turning the pages. It's exactly what you expect in a thriller as far as that goes, though the body count isn't as high as I expected among the cast of characters. (Yes, I'm a little bummed--not enough blood and torn clothes and messy hair at the end, lol.)
There is also a chapter from the POV of some dolphins trained to attempt communication with the monsters, and that was one of my favorites. I wish it had been longer. The author's talent shines in these alternate POV passages, in my opinion.
The first death scene we witness is intense, claustrophobic, and frightening. I loved it!!! This character, of course, thinks she can push the limits , ignores her safety team, then pays the price spectacularly! There's a certain poetry to her death that sets up the rest of the story so well, a la Crichton, and then...well...it gets stickier after that.
Grant's writing style feels very young -- not immature, by any means, but definitely young. A lot of on-the-nose exposition regarding some heavier topics that felt out of place and shoehorned in. I can't really put my finger on why, but I imagine experience will really hone the author's skill, and I can see her becoming a truly great sci-fi writer.
Her characters are all pretty well sketched out, but don't feel finished. My favorites were Jillian Toth and Luis Martines, although I really only liked Luis. I agree with other reviewers that note that the interactions between characters don't feel quite organic, especially the mini-romance-subplot between Olivia and Tory. It just feels out of place to me. Man-eating mermaids on the loose and two people already dead? Sure! Let's get it on! Um. What? 🤷🏻♀️
Also. There were a lot of parenthetical passages that really didn't need to be there. Almost like an afterthought shoved in so we can understand what's going on in someone's mind. This is one area where I can see something really unique in her writing style that I think could very well turn out to be her signature, and the thing that makes her great. She's not there yet, but I hope she keeps going.
As for the ending, I felt as though none of the characters really accomplished what they set out to do, except (maybe) Jillian. It was a little unsatisfying to me, for a few reasons. While I don't need everything tied up in a neat little bow, I do need some closure. It's not "cliffhangery" enough to leave me wanting more, and not "answery" enough to leave me some satisfaction. It felt...abrupt.
Again -- I think Grant has something amazing to offer, and I hope she keeps writing. Especially about these sirens.🤩
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
What does GGM smoke when he's writing, because, 😳😳😳. I almost DNF'd this one too, because it's just too much. But, it's a book club book, and I really wanted to say I finished it. And I did it. Listening to the audio on 1.5x speed. 😬
Ultimately, he's a brilliant and beautiful writer, but his subject matter is disturbing, his characters impossible to like, and his style is very difficult to follow at times.
That said, I pulled up the Wikipedia page outlining the plot and characters, which really helped me follow the story much more easily, especially because all the characters have the same three names!!! That family tree came in handy.
This story wanders all over the place, and is supposedly an allegory of sorts about Columbian society, classes, elites, and politics. No wonder I don't get it. I know nothing about Columbia. Although I now wish I did know something!
There is some stunning visual imagery, especially surrounding death. (Yellow butterflies, any one?) Th characters are vivid, but don't quite feel real, though I assume they're not supposed to.
Anyway, this book is enough to tell me I probably don't like multi-generational family sagas, because never want to read anything like it again.
100 Years of Solitude may be considered an international masterpiece, but couldn't it have been told without all the incest and pedophilia? Maybe?
Ultimately, he's a brilliant and beautiful writer, but his subject matter is disturbing, his characters impossible to like, and his style is very difficult to follow at times.
That said, I pulled up the Wikipedia page outlining the plot and characters, which really helped me follow the story much more easily, especially because all the characters have the same three names!!! That family tree came in handy.
This story wanders all over the place, and is supposedly an allegory of sorts about Columbian society, classes, elites, and politics. No wonder I don't get it. I know nothing about Columbia. Although I now wish I did know something!
There is some stunning visual imagery, especially surrounding death. (Yellow butterflies, any one?) Th characters are vivid, but don't quite feel real, though I assume they're not supposed to.
Anyway, this book is enough to tell me I probably don't like multi-generational family sagas, because never want to read anything like it again.
100 Years of Solitude may be considered an international masterpiece, but couldn't it have been told without all the incest and pedophilia? Maybe?
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Death, Incest, Infidelity, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Trafficking, Grief, Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt, Pregnancy, and Gaslighting
Have some other resources handy to help you understand it.