mlsweeten's reviews
229 reviews

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald

reflective sad fast-paced

• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

As with any short story, you don’t really get much depth to the characters. As far as this story goes, it was certainly an original concept. It was kind of sad the way his condition affected his relationships with his family. His mother was barely mentioned. The movie adaptation goes into much more detail and has significant differences, but this short story was a great starting point to build from. 

Beloved by Toni Morrison

challenging dark sad slow-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

4.25

A Good Man Is Hard to Find and Other Stories by Flannery O'Connor

challenging dark medium-paced

4.0

The characters in these stories are all completely absurd and do some of the most terrible things, but in surprising ways. Flannery O’Connor knows how to bate the reader and then shock the heck out of them. 

A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy

hopeful lighthearted reflective 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? Yes

4.0

If I had to describe this book in one word, I’d say it’s refreshing. Maeve Binchy seems to have a style of introducing each character carefully, one at a time, and then tying them together. Each character had a meaningful contribution to Stoneybridge. I’ve read a few books by this author and would like to read more. 

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

informative inspiring reflective 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? It's complicated

5.0

This is a lot about human nature with a bit of history and politics thrown in. Definitely a slow read but beautifully written and meant to be savored. The main character is intelligent and intriguing and makes the best of a challenging situation. 

Sanctuary by Nora Roberts

mysterious tense medium-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

3.75

This is a family of 3 siblings working through past trauma. They’re all in complicated relationships because they all have a share of emotional problems. Jo, the main character, is being stalked by a serial killer on the island where her family runs a bed and breakfast inn. Very suspenseful! This is a fairly old book and at times kind of cringey. In the sex scenes nobody takes no for an answer but they all say no when they don’t mean it. If you can skim through those parts, the mystery and suspense is quite good. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Rape and Murder

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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

4.0

The book isn’t about flaws in the main characters but flaws in society. The same lovable characters from the first book are all here with the addition of a yeti named David. My only criticism is the same as the first book. It can feel a bit preachy at times, but it’s a positive message which we need more than ever. There are also several new villains the magical children must encounter, but with a big dose of humor. 

A Scanner Darkly by Philip K. Dick

challenging dark mysterious medium-paced

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

3.0

This is a sort of dystopian science fiction book about the ugliness of drug addiction. I found it to be tedious and depressing, but I gave it a few stars for originality and thoughtful writing. I have no problem at all with depressing books if they evoke emotions and I feel a connection to the characters. In this case, that didn’t happen. The book was supposed to take place in the 1990s but was written in the 1970s and felt like it. I had a hard time getting into the mindset of the characters and that’s probably good considering they were pretty much fried. Much of it was about their hallucinations and erratic behavior. This one just didn’t resonate with me. 

The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop

informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.75

This was a fast read that I thoroughly enjoyed. It might not be for everyone, but Gilmore Girls was my favorite show of all time. I learned so much about her life pre-Gilmore Girls. This book is an honest look at her whole life, mistakes and all. She knew what she wanted and went after it. Much respect! 

Mornings with Rosemary by Libby Page

hopeful 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

2.5

This was a sweet story although pretty boring. Rosemary and Kate become friends while trying to save a community lido from being bought and turned into a private gym. There’s not much going on here except a lot of flashbacks to Rosemary and George at the pool. Feels very repetitive. Kate is lonely and has panic attacks but now the pool helps her relax. There are only so many ways to describe swimming in cold water. I struggled to finish this.